By David Olejarz, regional communications director

When the worst happens, the American Red Cross is there to help. After a fire nearly destroyed her Detroit home a year ago, Lisa “Queen” Henderson said she was overwhelmed by their response.

“I call them angels. They were my angels,” she said.

“It was just a smooth process through a stormy situation. I am forever grateful.”

The Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters every year. Home fires account for most of them. In 2023, the Red Cross responded to nearly 2,000 home fires throughout Michigan.

After a home fire, Red Cross volunteers work with local fire departments to connect with individuals and families for needs like emergency lodging, financial assistance and emotional support.

Henderson remembers the Red Cross immediately making arrangements for her for a place to stay. They also provided food and water and a voucher for clothing. The volunteers also assisted in getting her medications and breathing machine replaced.

“Five stars plus,” Henderson said. “They really handled my situation with white gloves. Very empathetic, very concerned about my emotional stability, my comfort. Even after I got into a hotel, they would still call.”

The fire occurred in March 2023. Henderson had just returned home from Sunday church services with her grandson, Josiah. Coincidently, she was attending a church function years ago when a fire destroyed her first home. Her father, the elder James P. Henderson, who was alone and house sitting at the time, died in the fire.

Henderson was enjoying a moment of solitude when she heard a crackling noise in the den. Frantically, she and Josiah tried to suppress the fire with water. In doing so, she tripped and fell, hitting her head. “Granny, wake up, the fire, the fire,” Josiah cried out, splashing water on her face. He then raced up the stairs to wake up Henderson’s daughter, Malinda, who was taking a nap.

Thankfully, all three escaped to safety. Henderson, who suffered smoke inhalation, said the home was equipped with smoke alarms, but they never sounded.

Throughout the year, the Red Cross installs free smoke alarms in homes that need them and teaches individuals and families about home fire safety as part of its Home Fire Campaign. On Saturday, April 13, the Red Cross will kick off its annual Sound the Alarm event to raise awareness about having working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan. Volunteers will be installing smoke alarms in 15 communities across the state during Sound the Alarm.

Henderson recently returned home after months of construction to repair the damage caused by the fire. She can take comfort not only in the new surroundings but with the security of having new smoke alarms.

“The most refreshing aspect of this whole thing is I’m alive,” she said, “and to have the Red Cross help me through it, along with prayers from my mother, Ruthenia, and my son, Kevin II.”