The Southern Gulf Chapter of the American Red Cross provided assistance for 13 people displaced by a multi-unit fire on Leonard Boulevard.

The fire at 4424 Leonard Blvd. happened Nov. 13. According to the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District report, the fire began to the right side of the electrical panel and to the left side of the exterior garage swing door. There was furniture stored in this location. The electrical panel had moderate heat damage with the majority of the electrical breakers being tripped.

The fire damage was confined to the garage with smoke into the west side of the duplex.

Jill Palmer with the Southern Gulf Chapter of the American Red Cross said they met with the residents. Multiple cases were opened.

“We were able to provide them with assistance,” she said, which was a preloaded credit card. “Often times it could be several hundred dollars.”

The financial assistance can be used for however the client sees fit, such as lodging, food or clothing.

Three volunteers with the Disaster Action Team visited the residence that was affected by the fire.

“The Disaster Action Team is primarily for fires. We have close working relationships with the fire departments. They call us and think of us as their 911. Once the fire is extinguished and safe they make a referral to us,” Palmer said. “We meet directly with the client and ask if they have a place to stay and how many people are apart of their family. We provide the financial assistance based on criteria.”

The volunteers complete Disaster Action Team training before they are dispatched.

Palmer said the training helps the volunteer learn how to interact with a client that experienced a diester, such as losing their home. The volunteers also provide comfort and help them with paperwork guidance.

The American Red Cross launched its nationwide Home Fire Campaign in 2014, which aims to reduce home fire deaths and injury by 25 percent.

The community is encouraged to download the Red Cross Emergency App, by visiting redcross.org/apps, or texting ‘GETEMERGENCY’ to 90999. The all-inclusive app provides more than 35 emergency alerts. There is also a Monster Guard mobile app designed for kids to help teach them how to prepare for emergencies at home.