By Marissa Alonzo, American Red Cross
Thai Xuan Village Condominiums
Tragedy struck in late October when a cooking fire blazed out of control at Houston’s Thai Xuan Village Condominiums, causing a resident’s death. Red Cross volunteers immediately dispatched to the site of the fire in Houston’s tight-knit Vietnamese community to offer comfort to those who were impacted—but this was just the beginning.
“The American Red Cross responds to disasters across the nation every eight minutes and approximately 93 percent of these are home fires,” said Justin Woodruff, Red Cross Disaster Program Manager. “This is why the national Home Fire Prevention Campaign was launched in 2014 with the goal of reducing fire-related deaths and injuries by 25% in 2020.”
Woodruff went on to explain that much of the campaign is about preparedness. “For one thing, smoke alarms save lives. Education on how to avoid and prepare for fires is critical as well. We wanted to offer education and smoke alarms to the Vietnamese community to help avoid future, tragic incidents like the one at Thai Xuan Village.”
Members of the Red Cross Disaster team (l-r) Blair Butler, Hoai Ngo, Justin Woodruff, Neil Dang
Shortly after the Thai Xuan Village fire, Red Cross staff analyzed the area and arranged to install smoke alarms as quickly as possible. Since language and cultural barriers can dissuade community members from seeking assistance, the Red Cross located Vietnamese volunteers who could communicate with residents in their own language about smoke alarms and fire safety.
Neil Dang and Hoai Ngo work together to attach smoke alarms
The Red Cross starting installing smoke alarms throughout the Vietnamese community just weeks after the Thai Xuan Village fire. They went back three more times throughout November, meeting with family members to discuss fire safety. In total, 280 smoke alarms have been installed.
“To see the reactions of the residents as we explained that the service is entirely free and community-based was incredible,” said Bob Pham, a Red Cross volunteer who speaks fluent Vietnamese. “I’m glad I’m getting the opportunity to participate in something so important.”
Red Cross volunteers prepare to install smoke alarms (l-r) Bill Petit, Bob Pham, Neil Dang, Blair Butler, Hoai Ngo
Pham, along with members of the University of Houston’s Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, will present fire preparedness and safety information to elderly Vietnamese residents at a health fair in mid-December. He and other volunteers may also participate in additional smoke alarm installations in the area in January.
Reflecting on the newly-developed relationship between the Red Cross, the Vietnamese community and local partners, Woodruff said, “Nothing can change the devastation of personal loss, but we hope that through the Home Fire Campaign and our many dedicated volunteers, the Vietnamese community will be safer. People helping people—this is what it’s all about.”
To learn more about the campaign, contact your chapter office. Locations can be found by clicking here.
Texas Gulf Coast American Red Cross 