Across the nation, every 8 minutes the American Red Cross responds to a Home Fire.

This weekend Red Cross volunteers across northeast Ohio responded to 11 home fires, and helped 43 displaced individuals find shelter and nourishment for the first few days following the event.

Each and every day Red Cross volunteers respond to home fires in our communities – Beloit, Willowick, Conneaut, Warren, Cleveland, Akron, Sandusky, Mansfield, Canton and every point in-between. We know the devastation that such a disaster can bring to a family. And that is why local volunteers get up at 1 a.m. or whenever their phone rings. They get out of their own nice, warm beds to provide hope when it is needed most.

That hope is available thanks to the kindness of northeast Ohio community members. Thanks to you, we were able to provide the families who experienced home fires this weekend with over $9,500 in aid to help them with a place to stay for a few nights, a few meals, to replace winter wear and a few clothing items.

“I want to thank our disaster team members for the generosity they display each and every time they respond to a home fire,” said Tim O’Toole, Regional Disaster Officer for Northeast Ohio. “But especially during this, the Holiday season. It’s a time when most people reflect on their good fortune and find ways to contribute to their community, either through volunteerism or by financial donations, and I thank our team for choosing to give through the Red Cross.”

The winter months are when a majority of home fires occur – between holiday candles, Christmas trees, heating units and holiday cooking. To make sure your home is prepared for colder temperatures visit our website, http://www.redcross.org/prepare.