Many heroes in apartment fire
Now that I'm back in my recently cleaned, smoke-free apartment, I want to thank the many people who helped the Cook Apartment residents during, and after, the fire on Jan. 6 at our five-story 86-unit building. Only 19 apartments have major smoke damage that still prevents those tenants from coming home. The fire was contained to one bedroom in the apartment where it began and the one below that unit has a lot of water damage.
Some residents were not at home that afternoon, when the fire began, but those who were knocked on doors to alert us before the smoke alarms sounded. Thank you, neighbors. Most of us walked down smoky stairways, to be greeted by paramedics who offered assistance. Others were plucked from windows or carried out by firemen. The mother on the second floor who was prepared to throw her baby out of the window was persuaded to wait for the firemen, who soon after took them to safety.
Thank you to the fire departments and EMS personnel in this area of our country. The fire trucks were bumper to bumper on Cook from First Street to Milwaukee Avenue and the ambulances were lined up, side by side, in the parking lot of the police station, plus other emergency responders on nearby streets. Every resident in our area should feel secure that any emergency will be well managed. While the fire was being put out, other firemen did a unit-by-unit search, to make sure that no one was still in the building.
Condell Hospital deserves thanks for their emergency plan. Because they had to be prepared for the worst, which fortunately never came, they directed some of the ambulances, with minor smoke inhalation patients, to other area hospitals. Although it inconvenienced their families to go elsewhere to pick them up, they were well cared for.
We were offered shelter and warm drinks at the police department, where our names were taken, so that family members who called would know that we were safe. Then the Libertyville Park District stepped in and drove us, in their van, to the Civic Center. Our names were again taken, so that families could locate us. Our cars could not be moved from our parking lot because of all the emergency equipment. Thanks for the ride, shelter and hot chocolate/coffee.
The following day, the fire department had a central number for us to get occupancy information. Most of us were able to return late Thursday. Thanks to so many others who helped during this difficult time. We are now hearing stories of other unsung guardians. The Pace minibus driver who had taken an elderly lady to her doctor appointment, then stopped at Jewel, is one. When he got to our street, and couldn't turn, he called his supervisor to notify the police that he was taking her back to Jewel. He kept her safe and warm until her family came to get her.
My biggest thank you goes to our building manager, Laura, who kept checking that all "her" tenants were safe. She directed the firemen to units where she knew people were home and might need assistance. Our maintenance man, Scotty, and Laura have spent hours helping us get back to normal. I can't think of a better place to live, with such caring employees.
Lee MacAdam
Libertyville