Red Cross Helps Family of 8 After Apartment Fire

 

 Red Cross Disaster Action Team members, Dan Hedrick and Bobby Young, met with the Manning family to determine what their emergency needs were after the fire.

When 24-year-old Rayshonda Manning awoke frightened to discover a smoke-filled apartment on the morning of Friday, July 11th, her first instinct was to get herself and her young children out safely.  Thankfully, she was able to escape the upstairs South Nashville apartment she had lived in for two years along with her seven children.  Her oldest child, a son, is nearly eight years old and her youngest, a baby daughter named Miracle, is only three months old.

“I didn’t know what was happening, but I just knew I had to get my children out of there immediately,” Manning recalled.  “It’s times like this that you realize who is there for you.  We appreciate the Red Cross for helping us.” 

The Red Cross Disaster Action Team answered the call for help and met with Manning after the fire to help provide for her family’s immediate emergency needs.  Another family member agreed to provide them with a place to stay overnight and Red Cross caseworkers were able to provide financial assistance for food, clothing and diapers for the youngest survivors. 

Manning also received eight comfort kits with basic hygiene items and toiletries such as shampoo, washcloths, soap, a toothbrush etc.  The children were each given a stuffed toy animal to help provide a small source of comfort after what was likely a terrifying day.

“She did exactly the right thing by ensuring that she and the children escaped the fire,” said Disaster Action Team volunteer, Dan Hedrick.  “Many times, people will try and fight the fire rather than directing family members outside, getting away from danger and contacting the fire department.”

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from people in our community.

Rayshonda Manning and her 3-month old daughter, Miracle, are glad to be getting help from the Red Cross after a fire in their apartment.

 

 The Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle helps the Disaster Action Team respond to fires and other disasters.