ST. STEPHEN, S.C. – The American Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to a Berkeley County resident after a fire damaged their home on Peru Road in St. Stephen early Wednesday morning.
Disaster-trained Red Cross volunteers said they’re helping the individual with financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing, and temporary shelter. The organization is also connecting the resident with additional recovery resources as needed.
The Red Cross reminds the public that home fires are the most common disaster in the United States, claiming an average of seven lives a day nationwide. According to the organization, individuals typically have just two minutes to safely escape a burning home.
To help reduce fire-related injuries and deaths, the Red Cross urges families to test smoke alarms monthly, practice fire escape plans at least twice a year, and select a safe meeting spot outside the home, such as a tree or neighbor’s yard.
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As part of its Sound the Alarm campaign, the Red Cross partners with local community groups to install free smoke alarms and provide fire safety education in high-risk areas across South Carolina, including Berkeley County.
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Residents interested in supporting the Red Cross’s fire prevention and emergency response efforts can join the Prepare SC campaign, which focuses on:
- Installing smoke alarms and teaching fire safety
- Responding to local and statewide disasters
- Supporting veterans, military members, and their families
- Teaching lifesaving skills like CPR
- Ensuring access to blood products for patients in need
For more information or to get involved, visit redcross.org.
