ST. STEPHEN, S.C. – A family in Saint Stephen is receiving emergency assistance after a fire damaged their home on Ravenell Drive, according to the American Red Cross.
Disaster‑trained volunteers are helping three people affected by the blaze, providing financial support for immediate essentials including food, clothing, and temporary shelter, along with referrals to additional community resources.
The response comes as South Carolina enters the peak season for home fires. The Red Cross reports that it responds to an average of six home fires every day across the state, with incidents rising by roughly 30% during colder months.
“Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina year-round, especially during the winter months,” said Susan Everitt, 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.”
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The organization is emphasizing safe home‑heating practices, noting that space heaters are a leading cause of heating-related fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Safety recommendations include placing heaters on hard, nonflammable surfaces, keeping children and pets at least three feet away from heating equipment, and avoiding the use of ovens or stovetops for warmth. The Red Cross also urges families to extinguish fireplace embers before leaving home or going to bed and to have chimneys and heating systems inspected annually.
The Red Cross is encouraging the public to support disaster relief efforts that help families affected by home fires and other emergencies. Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org, calling 1‑800‑RED‑CROSS, or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to contribute $10.
The American Red Cross provides shelter, food, and comfort to disaster survivors; supplies nearly 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; delivers international humanitarian aid; and supports military families and veterans.
