In April 2024, Red Cross volunteer Gladys Wood responded to a home fire on Colly Way in North Fort Lauderdale. The fire began in a bedroom because of a charging cord and the home was deemed uninhabitable. The Red Cross provided assistance to four adults and two children at the residence.

A former nurse, Gladys is now retired and has been a Red Cross volunteer for about 18 months. She volunteers with the Disaster Cycle Services team in various capacities, including teaching disaster preparedness classes, helping at shelters, installing smoke alarms and responding to home fires.

This past Spring, Gladys attended a smoke alarm installation event. She found that residents were receptive to opening up their homes so that Red Crossers could install the free smoke alarms, test old alarms and provide home fire safety education. She says, “Once we do install the alarms, they [the residents] are very grateful.”

Gladys responds to about 3-4 home fires a month in the Broward area and “sees first-hand what happens when you aren’t prepared for a home fire. Fires do happen often, and they affect a lot of people.”

Most people are unprepared for a disaster such as a home fire. When we arrive at a scene, we find those affected are still processing the reality of the situation.  Many people don't know where to go or how they will replace their losses. We’re able to provide immediate financial assistance and offer available resources which will assist them in moving forward. It is gratifying to be able to help others in their time of need.”

Gladys shared a story of a home fire she responded to recently, “The couple was young with a very active toddler and another on the way. The mom was eight months pregnant. Fortunately, no one was home when the fire started and there were no injuries, but most of their belongings were lost.  Aside from the financial assistance, we gave them blankets, comfort kits, smoke soap, and a stuffed doll. I was concerned for this young family and made it a point to converse with the mom about the baby and their plans. As I turned to leave, she tearfully hugged me and thanked me for being there.

I’m glad to be able to make a small difference in people's lives by providing comfort, reassurance and hope.”

Written by Stephanie Wesseling, American Red Cross