By Sharon J. Alfred, Red Cross Volunteer, Senior Journalist
Feli Propes, American Red Cross of Nashville Area Chapter, Nashville, TN
Feli Propes resolved a problem. She wanted to be a large volume blood donor for the American Red Cross but certain things prevented her from doing so. She wrestled with the question of how to find another way to help her community through a Red Cross activity. So how did she solve her problem? She decided to volunteer for the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign (HFC).
Propes became deeply involved in the campaign. Now, she is a vital part of the HFC’s Disaster Action Team (DAT) with the Nashville Area Chapter. And, she has a wonderful team of Red Cross supervisors: DAT supervisor Catherine Goodrich, Disaster Program Specialist Zachary Stokes, and Disaster Program Supervisor Kevin Watt.
At an HFC Sound the Alarm home visit, teams of three are typically formed - team leader, educator and/or documenter. Propes usually takes on the educator role. As the educator, she reviews the fire safety checklist, explains the functions of smoke alarms, and emphasizes the importance of making and practicing escape plans to the homeowners.
No doubt about it. Propes’ involvement with the Home Fire Campaign allows her to prompt others to take a preemptive strike against having a home fire. She said, “I strongly empathize with those who suffer. I also believe resilience and survival instincts are human nature.” Propes wholeheartedly believes in the Red Cross’ mission to alleviate the suffering of disaster-stricken victims, remarking that “with firm and organized advocacy and assistance, their recovery is [greatly] assured.”
No comments:
Post a Comment