British Red Cross appeal for volunteers
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service are supporting the British Red Cross plea for more volunteers.
So far this year Red Cross volunteers have responded to 122 calls across Devon and Somerset and were on standby during the recent storm which lashed large parts of the South.
The fire and emergency support (FES) service is a rapid response service working in partnership with the fire service. The Red Cross is always there to help people to cope after a fire or other emergency, providing practical and emotional support. Volunteers use a specially-adapted vehicle equipped with clothing, food and other supplies to provide a refuge for those affected.
In July of this year, a Bradninch family's home was destroyed by fire. The parents Claire and Justin Lush have praised the Red Cross on their support for them and their four children.
Justin Lush was first woken by the sound of the smoke alarm. He says: “I went downstairs to look. Flames were coming out of the cooker and touching the ceiling so I went upstairs and woke the children and we made our way downstairs.
“At the top of the stairs Olivia got scared and wouldn’t come down so I had to take Daniel out and come back to Olivia and at that time the smoke was getting quite heavy. Once we were all out I called the fire brigade and shouted to the neighbours to get them out of bed as well. By that time people had started coming out onto the street and the house was really going by then. Luckily the dog and cat must have followed us out of the house.”
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service have praised the family for having working smoke detectors and having discussed an escape plan with the children.
Mike Burroughs from Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service said: “The Red Cross provides an invaluable service to people at a time of great emotional need and stress. As well as looking after the families it means that the fire service incident commander has one less factor to consider.
“This incident shows how a working smoke alarm will save you and your family’s life. Also how important it is for everyone in your house to have an escape plan. Justin and Claire had wisely discussed with the children an escape route in case of a fire.”
Malcolm Cook, service manager for the FES and Bev Sugden, quality assurance manager for the Red Cross attended to help the family.
Malcolm says: “When we arrived on the scene Dave and the children were reasonably calm. I talked to Dave about monitoring the children to check that they didn’t become distressed later. Our other main concern was making sure they had somewhere to stay and David said that wouldn’t be a problem so we then went to the FES vehicle to sort out clothing for the family, as they had lost everything in the fire. We gave them some clothes and the neighbours were really good because they’d sorted out a large bag of clothes for the family as well.”
As soon as Claire was alerted to the crisis she rushed home to re-join the family. She says: “When something like that happens, you’re just left thinking, “what now? My dad said, ‘you need to speak to this man’, and gave me Malcolm’s number.”
Malcolm helped give Claire some advice on what to do next, including getting her insurance claim started. Meanwhile the entire local community rallied round to make sure the family had all the material things they needed.
The role of a FES volunteer is working as part of a team, you’ll provide much-needed help to people who have suddenly found themselves homeless, or in need of support, following a fire or similar incident. The role offers the chance to work with a variety of people from all walks of life and make a real difference to their lives. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and being a volunteer for The British Red Cross means you can proudly say you are part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation - one of our 13 million volunteers across the world.
Volunteers are currently needed in Devon and Somerset, as well as in other parts of the South West. For more information on volunteering opportunities near you visit www.redcross.org.uk or contact Bev Sugden on 01823 273735.
Click here for further information on smoke alarms and escape plans.
