American Red Cross Northern Minnesota Region - Annual Report FY13 | Page 5

Down the Street

House Fires to Hurricanes
We’re ready to respond to disaster 7 days a week, 365 days a year in our community,
providing shelter, food, clothing and emotional support at no cost to those in need. The
Northern Minnesota Region is part of a nationwide network of Red Cross regions that
work together to respond to large-scale relief efforts.
Home fires are the most common disaster to which the Red Cross responds. On average,
the Northern Minnesota Region responds to a more than a disaster a day - 481 in the
last year alone. Although these fires don’t typically make the news as hurricanes or other
large-scale events do, they are devastating for those who have suddenly lost their homes,
possessions and sense of security.
In fiscal year 2013, the Northern Minnesota Region assisted more than 1,900 community
members affected by fires and other local disasters.
The Red Cross also teaches families, organizations and corporations how to be prepared
for emergencies through free educational presentations. Last year 50,1 people learned
13
skills necessary to prepare their families,