HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — After several devastating fires in the Richmond area in the last week left many people without homes, the local division of the American Red Cross is explaining how the organization helps following disasters.
Volunteers at the American Red Cross Virginia Regional Office on Emerywood Parkway in western Henrico County are currently helping Josine Osborne, whose home in Richmond’s East End was destroyed in a fire on Sunday, Feb. 25.
“I should be crying, I should be out of my mind,” said Osborne. But all the things that matter are being here tonight and being able to have people that concerned about me.”
Jonathan McNamara, the communications director of the Richmond Division of the American Red Cross, said that, after the organization is notified of a house fire by a local department, volunteers head to the scene and come up with a plan.
“The role of the Red Cross is really to be that kind of bridge to offer that temporary support, as well as guidance as an organization that deals with these types of situations each and every day,” said McNamara.
McNamara said that every house fire is unique and always being prepared for one is crucial. Part of that is having homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
“We know from past experience that families that do have that insurance in place find themselves in a much better situation than families that don’t,” said McNamara.
McNamara also reminds Richmond-area residents, as the region begins to head into spring storm season, to be prepared with an emergency kit and disaster plan.
