HOPKINS COUNTY, KY – The Mid-West Kentucky Chapter of the American Red Cross board of directors met in Muhlenberg County Tuesday evening.  Tom Morgan, chapter treasurer, advised the board that the Major Gifts Campaign in Hopkins County exceeded its goal by 13%.  This wonderful news was tempered by sobering news that direct assistance to victims of house fires was up by 247% in the first 4 months of the fiscal year in Hopkins, Muhlenberg and Caldwell Counties.

“We have had more fires in Caldwell County in the first four months than we usually see in a year.” Said chapter executive director, Jeanie Barnett.  “What is of serious concern is that we have not reached our peak fire season – Winter.  I encourage everyone to inspect their home for possible fire hazards and take appropriate action to prevent home fires.  Also make sure your smoke detectors are working with fresh batteries.  Have fire drills with your family and make sure your family has a plan in case of fire.  Carefully inspect evacuation routes for each family member.  Make sure windows or doorways to be used for evacuation can be opened by the family member and that shrubbery or other obstacles do not prevent escape.  Also, have a location for everyone to meet outside the home after an evacuation.” 

For more information about Red Cross services available to you or your business contact your local Red Cross office or go online http://www.mid-westkentucky.redcross.org. 

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Info submitted to iSurf by the Red Cross.