RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS RESPOND TO APARTMENT FIRE

“I am very relieved the Red Cross is here to help us,” say Justin Clark. Brother Jeremy agrees with a nod.

Jeremy is the one who was home when their apartment building caught fire.“I heard alarms go off. When I stepped outside I saw flames and smoke everywhere!” Flames spread quickly, destroying six third floor apartments. All of the apartments below also sustained damage from water and retardant. Jeremy and all of his neighbors made it out safety…with all of the family pets.

When Justin arrived at the complex it looked like a war zone.“I couldn’t get access,” he says. “There were fire trucks everywhere. Caution tape was set up and fire retardant foam was everywhere. The damage was terrible.”

As firefighters mopped up and began leaving the scene, a team of twelve Red Cross responders rolled in to provide care and comfort. “I was impressed with the response time and coordination,” says Justin. “The volunteers developed a strategy and implemented it.”

That strategy includes ensuring everyone impacted has a safe place to stay, food, clothing and emotional support. Volunteers worked for hours helping 31 adults and 24 children. After they made disaster assessments they met with families and listened to stories to determine their immediate emergency needs.

“This is what we do,” says Kathy Jacka. “Our volunteers are trained and ready to respond.”

When Red Cross volunteers respond, they turn despair into hope.

Neither brother knew the Red Cross would be there to help pick up the pieces after a home fire. “It makes me feel good to have the support of the Red Cross,” chimes Justin. “Now I want to pay it forward.”