The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin is currently assisting seven members of a recent tragic fire on North 33rd Street in Milwaukee, which killed a seven-year-old girl and injured her family. Caseworkers are currently offering food, storage containers and clothes to residents who escaped safely from the upstairs unit.

Members of the Disaster Action Team (DAT) responded to the early morning call on April 7, and provided emotional support and assistance to residents from the building. “Our hearts go out to the family of the little girl who died,” says Jan D’Amour, DAT Team Leader. “This was a heart-wrenching call.”

The American Red Cross reminds everyone to make sure that a working smoke detector is located outside sleeping quarters and on each floor of your home. For more fire safety and prevention tips, please visit our tips section.

Disasters, such as fires and tornadoes, can strike suddenly, anytime and anywhere. The American Red Cross encourages you to take three Be Red Cross Ready steps: Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed. By taking some time now to make an emergency preparedness kit and family communication plan, you will make it much easier on yourself and your loved ones if a disaster or other emergency were to happen, whether it is a tornado, fire or even a power outage caused by a storm.

For more information about preparing for an emergency, please use our contact us form to request a presentation at your school, church or community organization. Volunteers from the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin are available to give presentations about preventing and preparing for fires, tornadoes and other emergencies.