Home fires don’t stop for the holidays. In fact, they tend to spike nearly 20% due to seasonal risks. In Maine, 200-plus families experience devastating home fires every year. Every time a Mainer experiences this loss, the Red Cross will be there. I know because I am a Red Cross volunteer. Our disaster action team members respond at a moment’s notice to comfort these families, providing critical care after the unimaginable happens.

I began my journey with the Red Cross on Sept. 11, 2001. In the wake of the tragedies, I was compelled to act. I walked to my local Red Cross office to offer my services. In the early days following 9/11, I responded to local home fires while simultaneously training to respond at Ground Zero. Twenty-four years later, I still proudly serve the Red Cross, currently as a board member for the Central and Mid Coast Maine Chapter.

Thanks to donations, the Red Cross can meet the immediate needs of our displaced neighbors by providing food, clothing, shelter, financial and emotional support at no cost to the survivors. We also install free smoke alarms (including bed shakers and strobe lights for the hearing and visually impaired) for Mainers in need and assist with assessments for proper egress.

I encourage everyone to please consider donating this holiday season at redcross.org. Every dollar makes a positive impact in someone’s life. Utilize and spread word of our preventive services. Let’s come together to ensure people have the support they need when the next crisis strikes.

Lizzie Baker, MD, EMHL
Red Cross Board Member, Central and Mid Coast Maine Chapter
Harpswell