Red Cross assisting families in Vernon, Cedar counties

It's a busy time for firefighters in Vernon and Cedar counties; and local American Red Cross caseworkers Valorie Mead and Joyce Wallace are helping five Cedar County families with finding resources for food, clothing and a place to stay following an early morning fire that took place a little more than a week ago in El Dorado Springs, as well as families in need in Vernon County.

On Sept. 26, fire gutted an apartment building in the 400 block of S. Ohio St., El Dorado Springs, a structure comprised of seven apartments, five of which were occupied.

Peggy Tedlock, executive officer of the Greater Ozarks Chapter Nevada office has issued a reminder that with the coming of the fall season. there is always an increase in local fires. "Please make sure your family is prepared by having a practiced fire escape plan, by making sure your smoke alarm has fresh batteries and is functioning properly, that you do not have over-loaded electrical sockets and that you use space heaters safely," Tedlock said.

In Vernon County, the Red Cross came to the aid of workers and families at two fires, one Saturday morning and one on Oct. 4. On Monday, just after 3 a.m., Nevada firefighters were dispatched to a home in the 1400 block of N. Ash St., Nevada, and found smoke coming from a one-story one or two family dwelling, with fire coming from the wall between the master bedroom and a second bedroom. Firefighters, working inside the home, put out the fire in a bedroom and continued into the master bedroom. A release from the Nevada Fire Department noted the Red Cross was on the scene to provide water to emergency personnel and to assist the family. Details of Saturday's fire were not available.

The Vernon County Disaster Action Teams are available to respond to fires and also to assist authorities around the clock when requested.

Nationally, the Red Cross responds to thousands of local fires throughout the country every year. Last year the Greater Ozarks Chapter responded to 494 fires and helped over 1500 people with temporary shelter, food, clothing and medicine.

The Red Cross reminds people of the following fire safety tips they should take:

* Keep all sources of fuel (paper, clothing, bedding, and carpets or rugs) at least three feet away from all heat sources when cooking, or using alternative heating like a space heater.

* Don't leave the kitchen while frying, grilling or broiling food, and don't leave home while cooking.

* Keep matches and lighters away from and out of the reach of children.

* If a fire occurs, get out and stay out. Call the fire department from a cell phone or neighbor's home.

* If smoke or fire blocks the first escape route, use a second way. If someone must exit through smoke, they should crawl low under the smoke to the exit. If escaping through a closed door, feel the door before opening it. If the door is warm, get out a different way.

* If smoke, heat, or flames block the way out, stay in the room with the door closed. Signal for help using a brightly colored cloth at the window. If there is a telephone in the room, call the fire department and tell them the location

More information on home fire safety is available on www.redcross.org.