Red Cross Response Triples During December
  

PORTLAND, Ore. – Since December 1, the Oregon Trail Chapter of the American Red Cross has responded to an unusually high number of house fires – triple the rate of the same period in November and a 30 percent increase over December 2008.

"This significant increase strains our budget, putting the amount of assistance we're able to provide to families in jeopardy," said Eric Corliss, Director of Emergency Services. "While the Red Cross will always be there with basic food, clothes and lodging, we may no longer be able to provide the important ‘extras' like diapers and cribs, bed linens and rent deposits."

From December 1-10, disaster volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter have responded to 18 fires in cities including Portland, St. Helens and Hermiston. Several of the fires have been caused by families using alternative heat sources, including wood stoves and space heaters, during extremely cold weather.

"Additionally, a down economy means that the majority of families affected by these fires have no renter's insurance," said Corliss. "Free Red Cross assistance – including a hot meal, clean clothes and a safe place to spend the night – may be the only help they receive."

Disaster volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter respond to fires 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All disaster assistance is free, made possible by donations from Oregonians. The Oregon Trail Chapter serves Baker, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Gilliam, Morrow, Multnomah, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington and Yamhill counties.

Those interested in making a gift to support the work of the American Red Cross during this unusually busy holiday season can do so at www.oregonredcross.org/donate. 

In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster an average of 10 times a week; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon's blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; offers transportation to seniors and the disabled; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit