The snowstorm took out Hathon’s electricity Friday, so the mom of one went to a family members house for the night. But the call she received early Saturday was the last thing she expected as her home caught fire.
CARROLLTON TOWNSHIP, MICH. (WJRT) – The community is helping a Carrollton Township family get back on their feet after a fire destroyed their rental house over the weekend.
The snowstorm last Friday knocked out power to Haley Hathon’s residence, so she went to stay with a family member for the night. She received a call Saturday morning saying the house she rents was on fire.
“The scene we walked up to was so much to bear with,” Hathon said.
Fire officials say there’s a possibility that once power was restored Saturday, a surge of power could have started the fire.
“We’re guessing it was electrical, but right now it’s undetermined,” said Carrollton Township Fire Chief Robert Tetloff.
The rental home was deemed a total loss, so Hathon needs items for herself, her 2-year-old daughter and her fiancée. The people of Carrollton are helping Hathon get back on her feet.
Neighbor Kim Rowan quickly organized a donation drive Monday at Big Bill’s to benefit Hathon and her family.
“I live in Carrollton, right around the corner from their house and I just saw it and I think that we need to help out in our community and get together and help those who need it,” Rowan said.
The community is showing up with donations of clothes, blankets and even toys. The Red Cross also is helping the family meet their basic needs in the days after the fire.
“I am overwhelmed,” said Hathon. “It makes me feel grateful for the community that we have.”
She said the family is staying with relatives for now and looking for a new place to rent. Anyone interested in helping can contact Rowan here and she will put people in contact with Hathon.
Tetloff reminded residents to unplug big ticket items like computers and refrigerators during a power outage to possibly avoid surges.
