Red Cross responds to apartment fire

One December evening, Carl Sigouin woke to the sound of an explosion inside his building as a fire broke out. He wrote to let us know just how much the support from the Red Cross meant during this difficult time.   
 
“The explosion happened at 2 a.m. Most of us were dragged from our bed, ending up in the street wearing pajamas and holding our pets in our arms — the ones that were saved, that is.
 
Fortunately, all the residents of the building got out, safe and sound.
 
Red Cross volunteers arrived quickly at the scene offering the use of a bus to stay warm. They proved to be very reassuring. Their benevolence seemed completely natural. They were calm and comforting.
 
They quickly went around to each person to see if anyone was in distress and to find out if anyone needed medication right away.  When it became clear that we would never be returning inside the building (around 5 a.m.), they gave each of us an emergency kit which included personal hygiene items, as well as vouchers for food and clothing. They also directed us to a hotel where we could stay.  The volunteers provided us with the essentials so that we could regain some degree of autonomy right away, and that’s invaluable.
 
To me, the Red Cross was for major disasters, the ones that affect entire populations, like floods or tornadoes, wherever they occur. It never crossed my mind that it would also be there for an eight-unit apartment building.
 
I now understand that a person in need could easily be me or someone I care about. Even if we are blessed with good fortune, we never know what could happen.

Having experienced the unforeseeable firsthand, I have since become a monthly donor. The Red Cross was there for me and made a big difference.  It turned a tragic event into an ordeal I could overcome. The Red Cross provides resources to guide us through those moments when everyone feels lost.

There will always be people who are in need. Making a monthly donation lets me help in my own way.”