143 families around Lansing Michigan lost their homes to a house fire last year. Even after a minor kitchen fire, the smoke and soot damage can be permanent if not cleaned and treated properly. Thousands of families in the area have no insurance and no alternative place to live. The do not have the resources or the knowledge for cleaning the smoke and soot from their homes.

As a volunteer with the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross, I have personally seen the damage smoke and soot can cause to a home. Untreated soot is stinky and unpleasant at best, and can be dangerous at worst. Asthma, allergies and respiratory problems are serious health risks for those living in a fire affected home. There are few organizations that can offer immediate help to families whose homes are suffering from smoke damage. Additionally, a house fire is often a traumatic and frightening event. The emotional sense of loss and uncertainty is significant, especially for those with limited resources for recovery.

The plan involves working directly with the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross to distribute fire clean-up kits to those families who have experienced a house fire. Youth volunteers will lead to effort to implement the kits as an addition to the existing Red Cross assistance available. The goal is to empower fire victims to begin the recovery process both physically and emotionally. If started quickly, they can recover clothes and furniture that have been saturated with smoke.

Others can help directly by becoming volunteers with the Mid-Michigan Chapter. They can also volunteer with their own local American Red Cross Chapter. Committed volunteers are always needed to help prepare for and respond to disasters. Opportunities vary from local work within the Chapter Offices to deployment to national disasters as a relief worker.