Motivational Monday - Prevent House Fires

Wayne Martin - Absolutely! As our homes age, parts wear out. We should plan ahead before something like the Water Heater goes out in the middle of winter. 

I already had my annual physical on January 5th. 

Brian England - True! When the homeowner calls out for an emergency repair, it's already too late and more costly too. 

Nina Hollander, Broker - thanks for remembering I am an advocate for preventing fires. Homeowners need to have plenty of funds for home emergency repairs. In TX, the last time I had hail damage, the roofer came out, and the adjuster came to inspect on the same day. Once the hail damage was documented, and before the roofer could start, I had to pay my deductible beforehand. 

Kat Palmiotti - Losing pets is very stressful on homeowners. I was very glad my son handled everything. By the time I got home (by then the streets & weather was worse), the Firefighters had finished putting out the fire and waited until I got home. Of course, I did not have a cell phone in January 1994. 

The chief let me enter with him, for just a few minutes - just a peak. I didn't even recognize my house. It was such a devasting and haunting experience. The next day, it literally made me sick. The house was boarded up, there was tape around my house with do not enter or trespass signs, and there was a giant dumpster on my front lawn. 

I can't stress enough; how important it is to prevent fires. 

Roy Kelley - Seeing your home burned down is a devastating experience for you, your family, and the neighbors. 

Carol Williams - Amen. 

Going through difficult times was a challenge for sure and what I didn't know at the time, was both of my kids were observing how I handled though times. And they weren't the only ones. 

During more recent years, my kids shared how strong and capable I was going through tense times. I am thankful they shared the lessons they learned from watching me. Hearing my kids tell me, how proud they were of me, as they grew up and how it helped them to problem-solve continues to be the greatest feedback I ever receive from my daughter and son.  

Carol Williams - thank you for having a better grasp of what I went through. At that time, I was widowed and had to make really, really tough decisions. Being left with nothing but the clothes on my back and the same dress shoes I wore to work that morning was bone chilling. My son's friends mother gave him temporary clothes because her son and mine were friends, about the same age and size.  The weather was mild when I left home. When I arrived at the scene the weather changed significantly. I was shaking from cold, fear, and shock. The Fire Captain knew me. If he didn't put his arms around me, and held me up on my feet, I probably would have collapsed on the street. There was no place to park. my street was blocked off. My son stayed at his friend's house. I didn't have anywhere to go. It was the loneliest feeling I ever felt. I thought my head was going to pop off my neck. All that kept me going, was knowing, I can't let my children be without two parents. I had no choice but to pull myself together for their sake.  

This is the month of January. The same month that terrible fire occurred. I think of it every year. I am reminded. And I thank God we survived, and I did my duty to keep things together without falling apart. 

Patricia Feager 
When we look back on some of the things we survived and dealt with, it's amazing. The saying is so true, thatwe don't know how strong we are until we're in the fight for survival. 

Patricia Feager 
I think kids are more observant than we give them credit for. It must be very heartwarming to know they were aware of and appreciate what you went through to protect and provide for your family. 

Will Hamm - Your friend must have really appreciated your kindness. Having house fire is very hard to cope with. 

Lew Corcoran - People need to know, a home insurance policy does not provide 100% protection. Home ownership is the owner's responsibility. When the aftermath of the destruction is over, the recovery process is a long and winding road. Some never recover. 

The premise here is to share information that hopefully others can benefit by. At the time of my tragedy, I did not have Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Consoling, or community help. Everyone's experience is different. 

George Souto - may you be protected from fires and tragedy living a long and healthy life. 

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner - I was very young when the house I grew up in was struck by lightning during an electrical storm. When it happened, my parents did not panic. They made sure my siblings and I were okay and got us to safety. Don't panic. That was my first important lesson followed by getting to safety.