I just found out via e-mail. I know her through a group we both belong to, and another member had just talked to her and sent a message to the group. Fortunately she was not at home, but her dog was. The firefighters were able to rescue only a few of her belongings. She is staying with her son for now.
I’ve just written a note of support for tomorrow’s mail, and I plan to enclose a check. Does that sound OK? It sounds so lame to just say “Let us know if we can do anything to help.” I can see our group organizing some sort of benefit, though.
Do you know anyone who’s been through this terrible experience? What specific help might she need? I’m glad she has her son close by.
I’m still horrified and so sad for her. She’s a spunky, feisty little old lady, and I can’t imagine what mementos and treasures she must have lost, and that besides her poor pup.
Every year around this time I hear of a fire in this neck of the woods, and the family had no insurance. It happens every year just before Christmas. I’ll be sure to post the link for this year’s great, obligatory Christmas tragedy.
I have no idea, but she’s such a sensible person I can’t believe she didn’t.
We’ve had a rash of building fires around here lately. Saddest one: Mom, dad, and teenage son died. Teenage daughter is hospitalized with serious burns. Adult son was treated and released. Every cash register in town has a donation bucket next to it. That poor family.
And now this sweet woman who would give you the shirt off her back.
Oh man. Donations, hugs, a blanket and some hot soups, a shoulder to cry on… all would be appropriate IMHO. Does she have distant copies of any Important Paperwork?
Hmm. This has me thinking.
Tomorrow’s payday. Want me to paypal some bucks your way, Scarlett67? PM me if so.
I’m an insurance adjuster and have handled countless house fires over the years.
One of the first things she’ll need to do is choose a contractor to do the repairs to the house. The contractor will work with the insurance company to haggle out the price. This may be an opportunity for her to make some upgrades to the house if she’s so inclined. She just has to pay the difference between what she had (ie. carpet) and what she wants (ie. ceramic tile)
One thing you may be able to do for her is help her with her personal property inventory. That can be an overwhelming process for most people, and having lost her pet will make it even worse for her. She may want to ask friends and family if they have any pictures taken in the house. By looking at old pictures, it may help her remember some of the contents, especially if her house is truly “to the ground” now.
If she has insurance, she may want to look for longer-term living arrangements, either in a hotel with cooking facilities or a rental apartment or house. Many of my clients start out wanting to stay with family; however, within a few weeks it’s a strain on both the homeowner and their host family. Her insurance adjuster may have some suggestions about where she can go. If she chooses to rebuild, it could take 4 to 6 months to complete.
If you’d like to PM me with questions, I’ll be happy to help any way I can. <obligatory disclaimer> I am not here to dispense legal advice or act as her representative. I will be happy to share some of my experiences with her, though, which may make this journey a little easier for her.
Some recommendations for those whose house hasn’t burned…
Take photos of your house, inside and out, and store the data off site. In the event of a fire, pictures will burn right along with everything else.
Note serial and model numbers when appropriate.
Take GOOD photos of anything that may be unusual or require an appraisal should it be destroyed such as Aunt Bessie’s Champion Quilt circa 1901
Be honest with your agent if you have a business that you operate out of your home, have a valuable collection, lots of jewelry, etc. There are several items that coverage is limited on most homeowners policies. Unfortunately, most people are unaware until AFTER the fire.
I’m sure there’s more but my brain is on temporary shutdown.
One of my sorority sisters lost her home to a fire a few years ago. We all bought her Target gift cards, figuring it was a good way for her to replace everyday items needed while her family was living in a hotel and short-term housing. Just a suggestion.
Thanks to everyone else for your support and kind words and advice. I will pass them along.
Our local weekly paper was just published yesterday, so I don’t think I’ll be able to provide a link to a news story until next week. Unless one of the regional dailies picks up the story, but because we’re pretty much in the middle of nowhere, I’m not sure which one that would be. I’ll keep checking.
I woke up this morning, and remembered, and was still horrified. Then I gave my puppies some extra snuggling, and offered up thanks.
When I was a kid, my mom’s bridge partner’s home burned to the ground on christmas eve. The entire family perished. The daughter was found with the phone in her hand, and the grandmother was a double amputee. I still think about it every christmas. It was the darkest, saddest christmas I can remember.
Sorry to hear about your friend. I’m glad she’s ok.
Joanne called me on Sunday to thank me for the donation. She was utterly astounded that part of it came from a stranger in Toronto. So watch your e-mail, Sunspace!
She is learning how many friends she has. She is receiving clothes by the barrelful. A friend is taking care of her two horses, and when the friend mentioned her plight on a horse forum, more horse-related help came pouring in, including medicine and supplies. Her insurance adjuster (yes, she was covered, thank OG) reminded her to buy whatever she needs at replacement value and not to cheap out; it will be covered.
One of the items recovered was her clarinet, and she told me that she WILL be playing in the community band concert tonight. Did I say she was spunky? And she is still going on a post-Christmas trip to visit family. As she said, “Nothing much to do here; might as well go see the kids!”
Several members of our group have said they are on board for a benefit, and we already have two or three performers who are in.
And the firemen told her that her dog did not suffer; it was clear that he had simply been overcome by smoke/fumes in his sleep. (They said they had seen animals that had suffered in fires and the difference was clear.) She said that was a great comfort to her.
Ruby, I’ve forwarded your advice to her; she was glad to receive any and all advice and told me to bring it on!
The firefighters were able to rescue only a few of her belongings. She is staying with her son for now.