That sounds frightening and traumatic, for them and for you as well. Major kudos to you for your efforts and assistance. That family has nothing but each other, the clothes on their backs, what was able to be saved and people like you to help them get back on their feet.
Wow, that's terrifying. Thank God they all got out okay (including the turtle!) and thank God for the help they will be getting from people like you. But I can't even imagine what it would be like to witness that happening at all, let alone to my own house.