The Northern Nevada Chapter of American Red Cross is helping families after a brush fire burned down two homes in Sun Valley Monday evening.
Caroline Punches is the Executive Director for the Northern Nevada Chapter of American Red Cross. She said they want to make sure any family affected by yesterday's fire has safe place to stay.
"We go out, meet with the families there on the scene and assess what they're short-term needs are," said Punches. "Do they have a place to stay or do they need assistance? We may put them up in a hotel for a couple nights. We may provide them with a debit card so they can go out and get food."
Punches said many times the Red Cross will replace the victims' clothes and just do whatever they can to help them get back to the way life was before the disaster.
She said if this fire would have spread even more, they would have setup an evacuation center with food and water for the victims.
Punches said they are preparing for a crazy fire season and people should as well.
You should have all your important documents in a fire proof box. Punches said your family needs to have an evacuation plan in place and be ready to go in case flames start moving your way.
Punches said every year, the Red Cross responds to more than 100 disasters nationwide.
"We're basically saving lives. We're helping people maintain their lives, helping them get back on their feet and we're providing hope and compassion when the families need it the most."
Written by Chris Ciarlo
