American Red Cross Continues Disaster Relief Efforts across Massachusetts

CAMBRIDGE, Ma. January 29, 2015— The American Red Cross of Massachusetts is continuing its disaster relief and response efforts in the aftermath of the 2015 Blizzard supporting state and federal efforts to get the state back to business as usual,  as soon as possible. The Red Cross response has been around the clock this week and the organization continues to respond to various disasters around the state, particularly home fires.

“We are very proud of our ability to assist our state partners and communities throughout the state,” said Tim Pitoniak, Chief Disaster Officer. “Our priority is continued best-in-class service to those we are assisting in the aftermath of the storm, home fires and other types of disasters.”

Over the last week the Red Cross in Massachusetts has opened or supported 13 shelters and is working with state and local partners to coordinate the recovery from the storm. Several emergency response vehicles are coming in from New York to help. The organization also deployed over 100 volunteers to work in a variety of different locations, from shelters to the field and continues to assess the need of the communities. Volunteers from New York will also be coming in to assist with continued support.

Winter months typically see an uptick in home fires and this season has been no different. December and January have been extraordinarily busy for the Red Cross who also responded to over 120 home fires in a two-month time period. On average, the Red Cross responds to a disaster every eight minutes and most of these are home fires.

The Red Cross urges fire safety at all times, but particularly in bad weather when emergency crew response times can be delayed due to unpassable roads or other weather-related issues.

To learn how to prepare for all kinds of disasters visit: redcross.org

How You Can Help

Help people affected by disasters like winter storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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