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Separate Fires Damage Homes Of 3 Berkeley County Families

by The Berkeley Observer
FILE

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. – American Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers confirmed they are assisting three families whose homes were damaged by two separates fires early Thursday morning. 

  • Ridge Church Rd, Summerville, three people (one family)
  • Trojan Rd, Cross, six people (two families)

The Red Cross is helping nine people by providing financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, along with referrals to much needed resources.

In South Carolina, The Red Cross responds to an average of 6 home fires every day. In the colder months, there is unfortunately a 30% increase in home fires. 

“Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina year-round, especially during the winter months,” said Rod Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer for the Red Cross of South Carolina. “We at the Red Cross are urging families to home fire safety steps to keep your family safe this winter.”

HOLIDAY DECORATING SAFETY TIPS Follow these safety tips and visit redcross.org/fire for more information. You can also download the free Red Cross Emergency app by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores.

  • If you must use candles, keep them away from anything that could burn, and place them out of reach of pets and children. Never leave burning candles unattended.
  • Check all holiday light cords to ensure they aren’t frayed or broken. Don’t string too many strands of lights together — no more than three per extension cord.
  • Ensure outside decorations are for outdoor use and fasten lights securely to your home or trees. If using hooks or nails outside, make sure they are insulated to avoid an electrocution or fire hazard.
  • If buying an artificial tree, look for a fire-resistant label. When putting it up, keep it away from fireplaces, radiators and other sources of heat. Never use electric lights on metallic trees.
  • If getting a live tree, make sure it’s fresh and keep it watered. To test if the tree is fresh, bend the needles up and down to make sure no needles fall off.
  • Don’t light the fireplace if hanging stockings or other decorations on the mantel.

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