Two Families Displaced After Fires in North Augusta
North Augusta, S.C. – Just as the holiday season is gearing up, the American Red Cross has stepped in to assist two families in North Augusta who have faced the unfortunate circumstance of losing their homes to fires. These heart-wrenching incidents took place on Hammond Drive and Lorraine Drive, leaving a total of ten individuals in need of immediate support.
Community Comes Together
Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers quickly got to work, providing essential financial assistance to these families. This generous help includes immediate necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, as well as other vital resources to help them get back on their feet.
The timing of these fires is particularly poignant as we approach Thanksgiving, a time where many families gather around the table to celebrate with a feast. However, it’s also a critical time for home safety awareness, especially concerning fire risks in the kitchen.
Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips
According to the American Red Cross, Thanksgiving is one of the biggest days of the year for cooking fires, and cooking accidents have a tendency to spike around this festive time. This year, as families start planning their Thanksgiving menus, officials urge chefs to be extra cautious. Here are some important fire safety tips to keep in mind:
- Stay in the kitchen: If you’re frying, grilling, or broiling food, stay in the kitchen! It’s easy to get distracted during the hustle and bustle of holiday cooking.
- Keep things tidy: Clear away any clutter on your stove and countertop to reduce the chances of things catching fire.
- Use a timer: It can be easy to lose track of time when you’re busy preparing meals. Set timers as reminders to check your food.
- Have a fire extinguisher handy: Make sure you have a working fire extinguisher accessible in case of emergencies.
- Know how to put out small fires: If flames begin to rise, remember never to use water to put out cooking fires. Instead, use a lid, baking soda, or a fire extinguisher.
The Realities of Home Fires
Yolanda Gainwell, the Interim Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross of South Carolina, spoke out about the seriousness of the risk. “Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina over the Thanksgiving holiday,” she explained. “In particular, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires, and year after year, Thanksgiving is the peak day for these tragedies. We are urging families to follow cooking safety steps to help prevent your holiday celebrations from going up in smoke.”
Looking Ahead
As the holiday approaches, it’s essential to remember that safety should come first. By being cautious and following the advised safety tips, families can ensure they celebrate Thanksgiving without any fire-related mishaps. While the fires in North Augusta serve as a sobering reminder of how quickly things can change, the support from the Red Cross demonstrates the community’s resilience and the compassion that exists among neighbors.
As everyone prepares for this special time of year, let’s keep each other in our thoughts and prioritize safety at home. Wishing everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
