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Perry

5/29/2009 

Red Cross Responds to Fire in Springfield

Springfield, MO.  -  Kathy Dennis, Volunteer Regional Disaster Action Team (DAT) Coordinator for the Greater Ozarks Chapter, is one person the Red Cross knows will respond within a moment’s notice to a fire when she is called.  Her enthusiasm is contagious, her energy is boundless and her passion for helping others is what keeps her going!  Today, 5/29/2009, Kathy responded to a fire in Springfield in the early afternoon hours.  An elderly gentleman was home alone when the fire broke out in the kitchen.  His wife was working at the time, and fortunately he was able to escape unharmed.  Kathy said “There was smoke and water throughout the house and the gentleman had soot in his nose and mouth.  The fire department said no one was able to reenter the home.”  After meeting with the gentleman and his wife, Kathy was there to reassure them that she was going to help them begin their recovery process.  After assessing their immediate emergency needs Kathy was able to help them with temporary shelter, food and clothing.  Volunteers will continue to check on the couple and offer emotional support. 

            Although most fires occur in the winter season, June was a busy month for the chapter Disaster Action Team (DAT) members.  They responded to over 32 fires in the 23 counties that are covered by the Greater Ozarks Chapter.  Although many volunteers were on hand to help with the tornado operation (based out of the Springfield office) they were still there to see that help was provided to community members after experiencing a devastating home fire.

DAT members are volunteers with the Greater Ozarks Chapter and have received specialized training in various aspects of disaster response, including casework interviews, damage assessment, sheltering and feeding, health services and crisis counseling.  DAT members also have the full support of the chapter for additional personnel and resources if needed.  For information about training to become a Red Cross volunteer, please call 866-206-0256 EXT. 200.

 American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.  To help the victims of local disasters, financial contributions can be mailed to:  American Red Cross, 1545 N. West Bypass Springfield, MO  65803. 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org