SAINT STEPHEN, S.C. — American Red Cross volunteers are assisting a family displaced by a house fire in Berkeley County, providing emergency support after flames damaged a home on Carolina Drive in Saint Stephen early Monday morning.
According to the Red Cross of South Carolina, disaster-trained volunteers are helping seven people affected by the fire with financial assistance for immediate needs such as food, clothing and temporary shelter. The organization is also connecting the family with additional recovery resources.
The incident highlights a broader concern for emergency officials during the colder months. The Red Cross says it responds to an average of six home fires every day across South Carolina, with winter bringing a roughly 30 percent increase in residential fires statewide.
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“Home fires are a real threat to communities across South Carolina year-round, especially during the winter months,” said Susan Everitt, chief executive officer of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “We at the Red Cross are urging families to take home fire safety steps to keep your family safe this winter.”
Fire safety experts point to space heaters as a leading cause of winter home fires. The National Fire Protection Association advises residents to never leave space heaters unattended, to keep them at least three feet away from anything flammable, and to plug them directly into wall outlets rather than extension cords. Officials also caution against using ovens or stovetops for heating and stress the importance of having heating systems and chimneys inspected annually.
The Red Cross continues to urge residents to prepare for emergencies by creating home fire escape plans, installing working smoke alarms on every level of the home, and practicing fire drills regularly.
Those looking to help families affected by disasters like home fires can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts by donating online at redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
