Volunteers from the American Red Cross are providing critical support to a Wagener, South Carolina family whose home on Sand Dam Road was damaged by a fire on Saturday morning. The organization is aiding the family of four by offering financial assistance for essential needs such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter, along with other vital resources.
House fires pose a significant threat in South Carolina, with the Red Cross responding to an average of six fires daily across the state. The risk escalates during winter months, with a reported 30% increase in incidents. Yolanda Gainwell, Interim CEO for the Red Cross of South Carolina, emphasized the importance of fire safety, stating, “Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina year-round, especially during the winter months. We urge families to take necessary safety measures to protect their loved ones.”
As temperatures drop, home heating becomes a major cause of fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), space heaters are the leading culprits. To ensure safety during the colder months, the Red Cross and NFPA recommend the following precautions:
- Never leave a space heater unattended.
- Plug space heaters directly into wall outlets, avoiding extension cords.
- Keep children, pets, and flammable materials at least three feet away from heating equipment.
- Avoid using cooking stoves or ovens to heat your home.
- Ensure fireplaces and furnaces are inspected annually by professionals and cleaned as needed.
The Red Cross encourages the public to support families affected by disasters like this through donations. Contributions can be made online at redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10.
As this Wagener family begins the process of recovery, the Red Cross continues its mission of providing life-saving assistance and resources to communities in need.
