Albany, NY (October 5) 9:45 p.m.— The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) has given emergency aid to one family, consisting of four adults and one child, after a fire at their Elder Street home in Schenectady this evening.

Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to the scene at approximately 8:00 p.m. after being contacted by local officials. Volunteers have worked with the family to provide financial assistance for food and clothing. The family has arranged for shelter and does not require Red Cross temporary shelter arrangements at this time.

In the coming days and weeks, Red Cross volunteers will continue to work with those affected by today’s fire to provide more aid if needed, and help them develop a post-disaster plan to get started on the road to recovery.

The Red Cross urgently needs volunteers to assist with disaster relief efforts in their eight-county service area. For more information on volunteering for disaster relief or for other Red Cross programs, contact (518) 458-8111 or www.redcrossneny.org/volunteer.

October is Home Fire Prevention Month. The Red Cross urges greater Capital Region residents to prepare for emergencies such as home fires (the most common disaster in the United States) by making a family disaster plan and building a preparedness kit. For free tools and resources, visit www.redcrossneny.org/get_prepared.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
ARCNENY helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,000 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.