Tri-County Red Cross Responds to Roselle Park and North Plainfield Fires

Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) Volunteers responded to two fires in 12 hours.  On Tuesday around 1am, the call came in that Costas Restaurant in Roselle Park was engulfed in flames and the residents living above the restaurant were out on the street.  DAT Volunteers Joe Czarnecki, Tony Mineri and Chuck Sweetman, along with Emergency Services Director Mike Prasad responded and opened a temporary disaster response center at the Casano Community Center for the victims of this fire.  Three residents were provided shelter and financial assistance to purchase food and clothing. 

The temporary disaster response shelter is now closed, however if there are additional victims to this fire who require emergency relief, they are encouraged to call Tri-County Red Cross at 908-756-6414 to seek assistance.

A fire that same day at the Dove residence in North Plainfield required the services of the Tri-County Red Cross.  Although the fire did not destroy their home, it is uninhabitable and the Red Cross provided emergency shelter at a local hotel enabling the family to focus on their recovery.

"Home fires are devastating and can happen at any time," said Michael Prasad, Director of Emergency Services. "Our volunteers helped these families regain a sense of control in their life: allowing them to focus on moving forward instead of worrying about where they are going to sleep or what they are going to do for food and clothing.  It's very rewarding to be a part of that healing process."

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and by donations from local individuals, organizations and businesses.  The Red Cross receives no financial support from the government for these services, but relies on the kindness of neighbors. You can help ensure our fund is available for future disasters by donating online at www.tricountyredcross.org/donate.html, or by calling Corinna Krauskopf (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org.

Local residents interested in volunteering for the Disaster, Blood, Volunteer, Health and Safety or Fundraising committees should contact Corinna Krauskopf at (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross, and assignments can be tailored to fit anyone's interests, availability and ability.