RED CROSS RESPONDS TO EARLY MORNING FIRE AT ANDERSON OAKS APARTMENTS

From Volunteer Responder Tom Davis

Early in the morning of Thursday, March 4, a major fire gutted one building of the Anderson Oaks Apartments at 9219 Anderson Mill Road in Austin.  All 24 units in that building were heavily damaged, and some were completely destroyed.  Approximately 40 persons were displaced.  In addition, all the residents of an adjoining building were evacuated for safety, but they were allowed back into their homes when the Austin Fire Department finished putting out the fire.

 
A Disaster Action Team (DAT) under the leadership of Carol Leandra responded and set up in the complex's office to screen tenants and determine their needs.  They passed out blankets and comfort kits to the residents who had not left to stay with friends.  There were enough empty units in the complex and the adjoining complex that we could give all residents a place for the night, a shelter was not opened.  The Team also distributed Client Assistance Cards to pay for food, clothing, and temporary shelter for the displaced residents.