Albany, NY (April 23) 8:20 p.m.— The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) has given immediate emergency aid to seven families, representing 15 people, after fires this afternoon in Albany and Schenectady.

In Albany, Red Cross Disaster Action Team volunteers gave temporary shelter and financial assistance for food and clothing to five families, representing 12 people (nine adults and three children) after a fire on Winnie Street. Volunteers also gave temporary shelter and aid for food and clothing to two families, representing three adults, after a home fire on Barney Street in Schenectady.

This week, the Red Cross has given emergency aid to ten families including today’s fires, a home fire in Amsterdam (on April 21, affecting one family of four people) and Scotia (on April 21, affecting two families, representing three adults and two children).

In the coming days and weeks, Red Cross staff and volunteers will continue to work with those affected by today’s fires to provide more aid if needed, and help them develop a post-disaster plan to get started on the road to recovery.

Locally, more than 550 greater Capital Region residents serve as Red Cross volunteers. The Red Cross offers free training for Disaster Action Team volunteers. For information, contact the Red Cross at (518) 458-8111 or www.redcrossneny.org.

About the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York
ARCNENY helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. Last year, nearly 1,100 residents of the Capital Region and surrounding areas were provided free, emergency assistance by ARCNENY after disasters such as fires, floods, and power outages. In addition, thousands were assisted by the Red Cross after the December 2008 ice storm; more than 700 victims received shelter with the Red Cross during that time.

The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money and blood from the American people to do its work. An average of 90 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrossneny.org or call (518) 458-8111.