Staff report
The Elizabeth Hanford Dole Chapter of the American Red Cross is asking for assistance for a family displaced by a Tuesday morning fire.
Shortly after 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, a fire broke out at the home of Jerry Isbanioly, 24, Carmen Truman, 21, and their son, Caleb Truman, 2, at 130 Leisure Lane, Salisbury. The home was completely destroyed.
Everyone was asleep and were saved by Jerry’s fast reaction, a statement said.
Jerry said he woke up because he was feeling hot. The home was already filled with smoke. He woke his wife and grabbed Caleb out of his bed and took them both outside to safety.
The Red Cross deployed a Disaster Action Team to the site to assist the family. The Red Cross gave the family hotel accommodations for two nights and a small allowance for food and clothing replacement.
The family did not have renter’s insurance. The Red Cross strongly recommends that all renters check into buying renter’s insurance. Monthly premiums are usually low enough that most can afford them.
The family needs the community’s help. Their first concern is finding another place to live. All of their clothing and everything else in the home was destroyed.
Donations to the family can be made by calling the E.H. Dole American Red Cross Chapter at 704-633-3854, extension 106 or 107. The Red Cross has limited space and cannot store donations of furniture and clothing. It will pass along donors’ names and numbers to the family.
Monetary donations can be dropped off at the Red Cross Chapter at 1930 Jake Alexander Blvd., West, in Salisbury. Make checks or money orders payable to Jerry Isbanioly or Carmen Truman. The Red Cross will make sure the money reaches the family.
Jerry Isbanioly said, “You should be very grateful for what you have, because you don’t realize just how much you do have until it’s gone.”
The Dole Chapter is a member agency of the Rowan County United Way.
A call to the fire department to determine the cause of the fire was not returned.