Albany, NY (March 14) 1:45 p.m.— American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) Disaster Action Team members have given immediate emergency aid to two families, representing ten people, after overnight fires in Troy and Albany:

• City of Albany - volunteers provided shelter and financial assistance for food and clothing to one adult and three children after a fire on 357 Elk Street.
• Town of Schatigcoke – volunteers provided financial assistance for food and clothing to three adults and three children after a blaze at 97 Calhoun Drive.
• Victims from a second overnight fire in the City of Albany have not requested assistance from the Red Cross as of the time of this release.

In the coming days and weeks, Red Cross staff and volunteers will continue to work with victims to provide more aid if needed, and help each family develop post-disaster plans to get started on the road to recovery.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free and is made possible by the voluntary donations made by people in our community. To help the victims of these and other disasters, donate securely online at www.redcrossneny.org, call (518) 458-8111 or send a donation to the American Red cross of Northeastern New York at 33 Everett Road, Albany NY 12205.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
ARCNENY helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,100 residents of the Capital Region and surrounding areas were provided free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. In addition, thousands were assisted by the Red Cross after the December 2008 ice storm; more than 700 victims received shelter with the Red Cross during that time.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.