8 People Affected By Fires Across Long Island Last Week: Red Cross

MINEOLA, NY — The American Red Cross is reminding Long Island residents to be more careful this holiday season by issuing safety tips int he wake of helping eight people who could not go back into their homes after three separate fires over the last week.

Volunteers from the organization responded to help people affected by two fires in Nassau County, including affecting one person on South Main Street in Freeport on Friday and another affecting two people on Lawson Street in Hempstead on Thursday, the organization said in a news release.

Three Households with a total five people were affected by a fire on Cody Lane in Medford on Saturday, according to the organization.

The Medford Fire Department said it was alerted to the fire at around 3:39 p.m. and crews quickly knocked it down at around 4:20 p.m.

No one was injured, Suffolk police said.

The Arson Squad responded to the scene, according to police.

The Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal's office is investigating the cause of the fire, according to the fire department.

In all three fires, the Red Cross’s Long Island Disaster Action Team provided emergency help, including financial assistance to meet the families’ immediate needs, as well as information packets regarding recovery resources and guidance, cleanup kits, comfort kits with personal care items, snacks, waters, and other items, the organization said.

Red Cross caseworkers will continue to work with the families to connect them with additional resources for long-term recovery needs.

It is urging people to stay safe during the holiday season by offering steps to avoid home fires starting from holiday decorations such as using battery-powered candles, practicing a two-minute escape plan with the whole household, and keeping Christmas trees from fireplaces and radiators.

The tips can be found by clicking here.

The organization urged anyone impacted by the disasters who need assistance and have not already connected with Red Cross services to contact 1-877-RED-CROSS.