Local Red Cross Responds to and Assists Families and Emergency Personnel in Ocean Grove Fire

Tinton Falls, NJ, March 15, 2010 – The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross was on the scene on Saturday morning when the flames surged through historic Ocean Grove. Ready, willing and available to provide immediate disaster assistance, the Jersey Coast Chapter was assisting those suffering from distress.

A team of at least 15 disaster responders from the chapter helped in all aspects of disaster relief; including casework, feeding, etc. Five families were given assistance, and the Red Cross provided the emergency response personnel with blankets and hot coffee. On the scene for 12 hours as firefighters battled the raging fire, “We were a well-oiled machine providing people with whatever they needed,” said Mary O’Donnell, a key disaster volunteer and responder for the chapter. “We had two Emergency Response Vehicles and two Rapid Response Vehicles on site.”

The Jersey Coast Chapter of the Red Cross was visible on the scene assisting not only families struggling from the fire, but also taking care of emergency response people. For more information on your local Red Cross and how to contribute to our disaster relief fund, please contact the Jersey Coast Chapter (732) 493-9100 or visit www.jerseycoast-redcross.org.