This story comes from our Mississippi chapter, from Red Cross worker Tamica Smith-Jeuitt. The American Red Cross responds to hundreds of home fires across the nation daily. Stay prepared with fire safety tips.
Little Nicholas Turner was not expecting the celebration waiting for him at the Red Cross Jackson office where his mother went for assistance following a house fire.
“Hero” is the five-year-old’s new name! He’s responsible for getting several family members out of their burning home.
According to his mother, she was sleeping when Nicholas and three cousins, all under the age of six, were in a room where the fire started. He led them out, and then made a dash for his one-year-old brother who was in another room. Next, it was off to save Mommy.
“I heard the screams and him beating at the door. That’s when I saw my entire wall was on fire,” said Tiffany Turner. When she opened the room door, amazingly, there was Nicholas holding his brother and all the kids with him.”
The next day, Nicholas was greeted by cheering Red Cross workers who had scurried for balloons, a firefighter’s hat, and comfort toys when they found out that he and the children were in the building.
His mother said it was just what Nicholas and the cousins needed to get their minds off of their loss.
“Thanks for making my kids smile; now all they’re talking about are the balloons,” Turner said.