Gulfport CERT Prepared Couple for Fire

Elaine Amandola started cooking dinner just before 5 p.m. on Thursday while her husband Louis sat in his office working when loud banging at their front door interrupted their night.

Louis said a woman knocked on their door, said the house was on fire and told them to get out. The woman was referring to the flames behind the Amandola's house at 2819 53rd St. S.

A garage fire broke out in the alley just behind their home and the flames were getting larger and moving towards their house.

Without hesitation, Elaine knew exactly what to grab and quickly. Elaine had prepared paperwork in a "to go" bag. In it, she had copies of identification and insurance documents, and even their dog's vet records.

"You have to be prepared and you never know what's going to happen," Elaine said.

She and Louis quickly turned off the electricity, water, air conditioner and stove before getting out of the house.

Louis called the Gulfport Police Department's non-emergency number, 893-1030.

While Elaine grabbed 11-year-old Butler and stored her "grab and go" bag in one of the cars, Louis snagged their garden hose and started wetting down the fence before pointing the water towards the flames approaching their home.

Then, after Gulfport fire officials responded on scene, Louis moved the two remaining vehicles, including an RV so that officials could get their equipment and water hoses as close as possible.

"You gotta make ways for these guys to do their job," Louis said.

All of the couple's quick thinking was a result of four years of service and training with the Gulfport Community Emergency Response Team, CERT.

The Gulfport Community Response Team helps people prepare for natural disasters, basic emergency response techniques including first aid, CPR, fire safety and more.

The couple said once they realized they were in the middle of an "emergency" they remained calm and tackeled the situation, one thing at a time.

Officials say no one was hurt. The garage was a total loss and the Amandola's lost a few items in their backyard, part of their fence, part of their roof and had damage to the north side of the home.

Once the flames were out, Gulfport fire officials said they saw at least three propane tanks inside the neighbors garage. Lt. Erick Fuchs said at least one tank exploded.

"It just makes you realize what your priorities are," Elaine Amandola said.

Gulfport CERT

You can contact Gulfport CERT anytime for more information. But, you're in luck there are still a handful of spots left for Gulfport CERT Training on Saturday, April 14 and Saturday, April 21. Training this Saturday is from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Gulfport Senior Center. For more information or to register call Bob Worthington at (727) 916-8014.