How to Survive a Fire

A fire! This has to be one of the most dreaded experiences that we all want to avoid happening to us at all cost. However, it did happen to me and my son on February 7, 2000. In addition, being a single parent with the sole financial responsibility of my son and I was not easy, especially after the fire. February 7, 2000 was a horrible day for me and my son. The day of our apartment fire. This is how I survived. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Prayer
• Friends/Family
• Strength

1. The power of prayer cannot be underestimated. Pray and put a plan together to get yourself and your family in a place of your own.
2. Friends and family will show you their true colors. Be prepared for that. Your true friends will always come through. Go to a shelter as soon as possible and seek the services available. Ask to be assigned a social worker who can speed up the process of getting an apartment sooner. Also, have the director of the shelter write you a letter on the shelter's letterhead stating that you are a resident of the shelter. This will give you written proof that you are in need of emergency services.
3. Google Image Your strength will be tested. Get two rolls of quarters to do your laundry. Since I didn't have a cell phone, I used calling cards. The shelter we stayed in was a women's shelter for only women and children. Do your best to get into one of these type of shelters if you must for greater safety and it cuts down on the possible drama. I did find an apartment and we moved in our apartment on April 1, 2000.
4. Google Image Always keep your options open. This means thinking ahead with what if questions. The fire was in Jersey City, New Jersey. I now live in Atlantic City, NJ. I was able to move on such short notice because I thought ahead and had my paperwork processed and was ready to move when my crisis happened. I hope this helps.

Tips & Warnings

• Find your local American Red Cross. You may be able to find a coat and a few items of clothing.
• Don't depend on other people to get things done for you. Pray, gather your strength, ask for help and do what you have to do.