Survivors of a Home Fire Hopeful Their Story Can Help Others



By: Cheary Shelim
Princess and Leroy Edwards of Carlisle, SC, never thought they would experience a home fire. But last September, it happened to their family.
“I was devastated,” Princess remembers. “Only certain parts of our home caught fire, but it wasn’t livable because it was so damaged.”
Faced with the sudden loss, the family didn’t know what to do. Then, someone suggested calling the American Red Cross.
“It didn’t even take them a day, and they came right on out and gave us assistance. It helped us out a whole lot. Without them, I think we would have been stuck. I thank God for their help,” Princess says.
In addition to financial assistance, the Red Cross volunteers helped them find temporary shelter in a hotel and provided basic toiletries, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste. They also provided the family with coupons and suggested affordable places to shop.
Princess admits the experience has been overwhelming. “Mentally, it really took a toll on us,” she reflects. “Never thought it would happen. A lot of people don’t think about how it really messes you mentally when it finally happens to you.”
Every year, the Red Cross responds to about 65,000 disasters. The majority of them are home fires. In South Carolina, the Red Cross responds to an average of 6 home fires daily.
After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers meet with the family to learn what they have experienced and assess their needs. They provide immediate assistance, such as emergency lodging, financial assistance, and emotional support. After the initial visit, the volunteers remain in contact with the family for at least 30 days, assisting with needs such as replacing medications or eyeglasses or connecting them with spiritual or mental health care providers.
Princess shares how her family is still trying to process the whole ordeal. There is still much to be done, but they are thankful for the assistance they received from the Red Cross. “I was very grateful,” Princess says. “Without them, we wouldn’t know what to do.”
She hopes that her family’s story can also help others who may be going through the same experience. She’s also planning to help the Red Cross in any way she can, including through donations.
Visit redcross.org/fire for more information, including a home fire escape plan to create and practice with your household. You can also download our free Emergency app.
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