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What Are the Different Resources for Fire Victims?
Fire victims can find resources by contacting non-profit, charity organizations. They can also find help by contacting local churches the media. After a fire, a family will need food and temporary housing. They may also be in need of medicines, clothing, and other essential items. There are more than a few places that specialize in providing immediate resources for fire victims.
The American Red Cross is a non profit charitable institution that works to relieve and prevent suffering, including after fires. After a fire, an agent evaluates the extent of the damage done to the structure. He assesses the situation and provides assistance to the fire victims, including food, clothing, or temporary shelter. The Red Cross also refers people affected by fires to other relief organizations.
The Salvation Army is a non governmental agency that specializes in disaster relief in 123 countries. Fire victims can receive immediate help from this agency, including food, clothing, and temporary shelter. If the family is unable to move back into the home, permanent housing may also be offered. The Salvation Army can also help the family financially with utility bills and rental costs.
Local churches are also an option for fire victims. They can take in donations for the family as well as provide food and temporary shelter. Members of the church may also be able to replace lost furniture or household appliances. Fire victims can become depressed and may require spiritual guidance. A clergy member may be able to offer comfort during this difficult period.
Media exposure can also benefit fire victims. If the fire was reported on the TV or radio, viewers or listeners can be asked to send in donations to a specific address. They can be told where to drop off furniture or household appliances. Many times, viewers will send donations to a television station that has aired a story about a house fire.
Victims of a fire should immediately contact their homeowner insurance agent and begin to document all destroyed items. They should not throw away any of these damaged household items until an inventory assessment has been made. Mortgage companies should also be notified immediately.
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![Victims of a fire may require temporary housing and food.]()
By: Scott DorrettVictims of a fire may require temporary housing and food. -
![Viewers will often send donations to a television station that has aired a story about a house fire.]()
By: On-AirViewers will often send donations to a television station that has aired a story about a house fire. -
![After a fire, the Red Cross may send an agent to evaluate the damage and provide assistance.]()
By: rmwood1After a fire, the Red Cross may send an agent to evaluate the damage and provide assistance. -
![A food bank can provide fire victims with a source of food.]()
By: Monkey BusinessA food bank can provide fire victims with a source of food.
Discussion Comments
A few Christmas's back, one of the local families had a fire and the house and all of the Christmas presents were destroyed. The fire was sparked by one of those little electric heaters.
The family had several kids. Adult fire victims have a hard enough time handling the damage. For the kids it is even worse, and this was particularly bad because the kids had been looking forward to opening their Christmas gifts.
One of the owners of a local mobile home park let the family move into one of his empty trailers. Then everybody in the community started taking what they could to the family, and by the time Christmas came they had as much as they had before the fire. Of course, there are some things that can't be replaced, but at least they had what they needed.
And the kids ended up with more gifts than they could have ever imagined. In a small close knit community, people help each other when they need help.
The church my family and I attend is really good about helping people when they are in need. In addition to the regular things we do like collecting food for the families who are going through tough times, collecting and distributing school supplies to kids at no charge and serving meals to the elderly; we have also helped fire victims on numerous occasions.
Regardless of how much or how little you have, watching your home and possessions burn up in a house fire is a very stressful and overwhelming situation. Usually the victims are in shock. We have housed the fire victims in the church in the past, but this is only until we can get them moved in temporarily with a family member or with someone from the church.
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