An estimated 40 volunteers from the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin responded to assist local residents and first responders during the recent fire at the Patrick Cudahy plant.

Red Cross volunteers provided hundreds of meals, snacks and water to emergency responders fighting the fire and managing the evacuations.

Residents within a mile of the blaze were evacuated. Red Cross volunteers registered 321 residents at a local school, and cared for more than 220 residents who didn’t have a place to go during the evacuation. Volunteers closed the shelter at South Milwaukee High School when officials determined it was safe for people to return home.

Disasters like the Patrick Cudahy fire can strike at any time. Make sure your family has a kit with water, food, first aid kit, important documents and other important supplies you would need if a disaster hits your area or if you need to leave your home quickly. Keep the supplies in an easy-to-carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. For more information, visit our Get Prepared page for a complete list of items you can collect before a disaster hits your area.

The American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin relies on donations of time and money so they can provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies in Dodge, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth and Waukesha counties. To donate your time, please visit our Volunteer page. Financial donations can be made online through our secure contribution site.