Call to action: Volunteers needed to support local disaster response in Tennessee River Chapter

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 7, 2023 — Volunteers in the Tennessee River Chapter for the American Red Cross responded to 169 home fires throughout the chapter’s footprint in 2022. In 2023, home fires in the area are up 7 percent compared with the same time last year.  

The local chapter of the American Red Cross responds to these fires and other individual disasters weekly, sometimes daily. Volunteers make up about 90 percent of the American Red Cross workforce, helping to make it possible to provide immediate support to our neighbors in time of need.  

The Red Cross is asking for help assisting the local community. As a Disaster Action Team Volunteer, you can respond to the scene of home fires and other disasters. Volunteers provide emotional support, safe shelter, vital supplies, emergency assistance, and information to help families begin recovery. The Tennessee River chapter will conduct a local volunteer information tour to invite community members to learn more about this opportunity.  

Upcoming informational sessions:

Feb. 15, Maury County Library, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Feb. 15, Humphreys County Library, 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Feb. 16, Lewis County Library, 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Feb. 17, Hickman County Library, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Feb. 17, Giles County Library, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.  

If you have questions about the need for volunteers or how the Red Cross responds in your community, please contact LoriAnn Tinajero, chapter director at loriann.tinajero@redcross.org or Dolly Mast, Disaster Services program manager at dolly.mast@redcross.org. 

The American Red Cross of Tennessee River serves Dickson, Giles, Hickman, Houston, Humphreys, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Montgomery, Perry, Stewart and Wayne counties in Tennessee. In addition to the counties listed, the Tennessee River chapter also serves Fort Campbell, Kentucky.