Disaster Response

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.

While we were honoring our veterans yesterday on Veteran's Day, our volunteer staff was busy helping two families with an overnight apartment fire in Plainfield. Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteer Terri Esposito responded to the scene and provided emergency housing and financial support to 11 people, including the seven members of the Meda family. Both apartments suffered major damage from the fire.

"Home fires are disasters that don't take a day off," said Michael Prasad, Director of Emergency Services. "We were fortunate to have a volunteer available to help these families start their recovery process, by providing them some short-term assistance. We need help covering the 22 towns we support, during the day and on nights and weekends, too."

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and donations by 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.

PLAINFIELD (November 4, 2008) Two fires this past weekend in Plainfield required the services of the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team. 

A fire on Plainfield Avenue, Saturday November 1, sent five families scrambling for safety.  Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteer Terri Esposito responded to the scene and provided emergency housing and financial support to several residents including the Norris family and their two children. 

Sunday November 2, a residential fire on Saint Mary's Avenue affected the residence of the Brown and Williams families.  Severe smoke and water damage affected their homes, preventing their return once the fire was extinguished.  Fortunately, the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded and provided them with a clean place to stay and the means to purchase new clothing and food as they begin to pick up the pieces.

"Home fires are disasters that can happen at any time," said Michael Prasad, Director of Emergency Services. "The families of these two disasters in Plainfield can focus on their recovery because our volunteers were there to provide them with the essentials.  It allows the victims to move on and regain a sense of control in their life."

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and donations by 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 interesting 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.