5-year-old Cloe Woods became a real-life hero in Kenner, Louisiana, using a fire safety lesson from school to protect

On February 17, 2016, in Kenner, Louisiana, 5-year-old Cloe Woods became a real-life hero by using fire-safety lessons from a recent school field trip to the local fire department. When the smoke alarm sounded early that morning due to an accidental stove fire (from a faulty pilot light), Cloe woke her blind grandmother, Claudia Arceneaux, and guided her to safety, having her hold onto Cloe’s shoulders as Cloe led the way out of the burning home. Cloe also saved the family dog, Coco (or Koco in some reports), who followed them.

Once outside, Cloe ran to the neighbors, alerted them to the fire, and asked them to call 911 so emergency responders could be notified. Fire officials, including Kenner Fire Chief John Hellmers, later praised her quick thinking and composure, stating that her actions, rooted in what she learned at school, prevented the situation from becoming far more serious and that she remarkably took initiative instead of hiding.

(Photo: Cloe Woods)