So far 2 of the cleaning kits have been given to families who had extensive smoke damage to their homes. They were extremely appreciative that their clothing and some other belongings were rendered to still be usable. It helped dramatically lower the loss they would have had to endure otherwise. The remaining kits have been distributed to Red Cross chapters all throughout mid-Michigan so that disaster responders will have them avaiable immediately when needed.
Home Clean-up Kits for fire Victims
Submitted by gbowman on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 15:05
the problem:
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.
vital stats:
people impacted:
100people involved:
30why it's important:
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 of action:
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.
how you can get involved:
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.
project updates:
02/17/2010
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Comments
This sounds like an awesome project! If you haven't already, you should apply for a grant!
Go to www.dosomething.org/grants