 |
| Photo courtesy: 13wham.com |
On Monday, July 25, Geraldine Baylor and her family
awoke as the back of their home caught on fire. Disasters never come
at convenient times, and for Geraldine Baylor and her family, this was more
than accurate. A few hours before, they received news that a family member
passed from cancer. The family gathered together at Geraldine Baylor’s home to
make the necessary preparations for memorial services. Geraldine’s home was
filled with mourning family members and beloved animals that Geraldine fosters
for. No one expected that things could get worse.
In a home fire, you have an average of approximately
two minutes to escape safely. However, Geraldine needed more than just two
minutes. Geraldine has a prosthetic leg, and often times she relies on a wheelchair.
Thankfully, with the help of the fire department, Geraldine, as well as the
rest of the family and animals, were able to exit the house safely.
American Red Cross volunteers, Suzanne Kowalcyk and
Jim McMoil, were called at two in the morning to meet with the family at a
local restaurant. Both volunteers reported that the family was in good spirits,
despite their situation.
“They even tried to pay for our coffee,” Jim said as
he recalled how appreciative the family was for the help the Red Cross was
providing.
The volunteers booked a hotel room for the family to
stay in as they wait for their home repaired. Geraldine noted that the
volunteers are still in contact with the family and continue to be a significant
help.
“You guys are just amazing, and have been so
generous and caring,” Geraldine stated. “My family and I would like to thank
you from the bottom of our hearts.”
The Red Cross provides numerous educational
programs on how to stay safe during a disaster. A main cause of death and
injuries due to home fires is lack of smoke detectors. Thus, as part of the Home
Fire Campaign, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarms
to ensure community safety. To schedule a free smoke alarm installation, please
email smokealarms.wny@redcross.org
or call 716-878-2353.
During a house fire, the Red Cross provides a number
of services to ensure that people are safe, protected, and are on the road to
recovery. If you are interest in being a part of the recovery process for those
affected by a disaster, apply online to become a volunteer at redcross.org.
-Grace Carnall, Communications Intern
American Red Cross, WNY Chapter
