NEW JERSEY – The American Red Cross New Jersey Region responded to 90 home fires statewide in November, providing emergency assistance to 765 people in 280 families, the organization said Tuesday.
Red Cross volunteers assisted affected residents with financial support, blankets, comfort kits and emotional care at fire scenes, where many families faced sudden displacement and loss.
Nationwide, the Red Cross responds to nearly 20% more home fires during November and December than at other times of the year, assisting an average of 40,000 people during the holiday season alone. New Jersey saw its uptick begin in the first days of November.
The month opened with a large fire at a 41-unit apartment complex in Blackwood, where disaster volunteers supported displaced residents. Crews also responded to home fires in communities including Jersey City, Haddonfield, North Bergen, Camden, Paterson, Skillman, Atlantic City, Newton, Red Bank, Ridgefield, Roselle and Orange, providing emergency financial aid and services such as disaster health and mental health support.
“When people’s lives are upended by home fires and other disasters, it’s thanks to generous donations that our volunteers have the resources to deliver comfort, hope and support to help people recover,” said Kim Goetz, interim regional executive for the American Red Cross New Jersey.
Just this past weekend, Disaster Action Team volunteers responded to a large Newark home fire that spread to a neighboring house and an apartment building. Volunteers provided emergency financial assistance to 51 people in 14 families affected.
The Red Cross also opened a temporary shelter in response to a fire at a 24-unit apartment building in Plainfield, where more than 90 residents were forced out into the cold in the early morning hours.
“Through the simple act of giving, we come together as a community to help our neighbors when it’s needed most,” Goetz added.
