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Post by whipea on Dec 2, 2016 14:58:58 GMT
So very sorry for the loss of your pets and property. No advice, just my deepest sympathy.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,129
Location: New York, NY
Jun 26, 2014 18:02:19 GMT
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Post by christinec68 on Dec 2, 2016 15:02:06 GMT
I have no experience with this either but I am so sorry you and your family have suffered this tragedy and for the loss of your pets. I am glad you have a great support system and how wonderful for the school to take up a collection to help you out a bit.
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Post by just PEAchy on Dec 2, 2016 15:02:07 GMT
I don't have any advice, just wanted to say how sorry I am.
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Post by librarylady on Dec 2, 2016 15:09:17 GMT
My condolences to you and your family for the loss of pets and home.
My sister just experienced this. She was out of her home from first week of October until June 20th.
Clothing: She had lots of things sent to cleaners--some the insurance paid for, some she did (there is a budget amount). Craft things: toss them --not worth the trouble.
Rebuilding: She changed her floor plan a little also, removed a bedroom and had a handicap bathroom put in as her husband is declining in his health.
Furniture and kitchen items were sent for professional cleaning. Even though the range top was repaired it didn't work when it was brought back. Her oven did.
Books: I doubt smoke smell will go away. You can try putting them in a large box, spread them around so the "fumes" can get to them. --Maybe do a few and see how it goes. Put in some activated charcoal, close up the box and leave it for several days and see if the smell will go away.
Awful experience.
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Post by malibou on Dec 2, 2016 15:33:32 GMT
Ugh, so very sorry you are having to deal with this. And condolences on the loss of your pets.
J
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Post by christine58 on Dec 2, 2016 15:51:43 GMT
There's a pea who just came back here that had a huge fire. I know she could help you but I'm drawing a blank on her name. Her girls were dancers.
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oh yvonne
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,003
Jun 26, 2014 0:45:23 GMT
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Post by oh yvonne on Dec 2, 2016 15:54:15 GMT
There's a pea who just came back here that had a huge fire. I know she could help you but I'm drawing a blank on her name. Her girls were dancers. It was CandleAngie, wasn't it? I remember that.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
Jul 3, 2014 16:02:54 GMT
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Post by julieb on Dec 2, 2016 16:01:43 GMT
I'm so sorry. No advice but very thankful you are safe. So sorry for the loss of your beloved pets.
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Post by annie on Dec 2, 2016 16:18:04 GMT
I am so so sorry!
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Post by angiet on Dec 2, 2016 16:21:10 GMT
I'm very sorry for the loss of your pets and for having to go through the trauma of a fire.
I work for State Farm, and while I haven't dealt with a total loss fire, I think you are in good hands. Use your agent if you need a liaison with the claims adjuster. The restoration companies are good at helping to save the important things like your photos but I might just get new clothes. Remember you can keep adding to your inventory as you remember things.
In my state, the SF policies will pay for you to live elsewhere for up to 2 years while you are rebuilding. It is longer than some other insurance companies. If you have questions, I would be happy to try to help.
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Post by gorgeouskid on Dec 2, 2016 16:21:52 GMT
A fire is my worst nightmare, along with losing my pets. I can't imagine how devastated you must be. You sound strong, already thinking of the future and of your husband's needs in your rebuilt home. If going back to work on Monday is what you want to do, then do it. You might need some time for yourself in the future- think of yourself in the days, weeks, and months to come. candleangie lost her home some years back. I'm sure she has some words of wisdom for you. Best of luck and be sure to keep us updated!
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Post by chaosisapony on Dec 2, 2016 16:22:37 GMT
No advice here but I couldn't read an not comment. I'm so sorry for the loss of your home and animals. That's just awful.
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Post by scrapcat on Dec 2, 2016 16:26:28 GMT
Also just wanted to say sorry for your loss and will send positive vibes your way. Reading your post brought tears to my eyes, as I can't imagine the heartbreak.
I do not have any experience with this, but it sounds like you have a lot of it under control. I agree with others that say just take some time and take care of yourself.
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Post by jenr on Dec 2, 2016 16:29:39 GMT
Hi. Yes, I have been through this and I am so, so sorry it happened to you. Especially this time of year. To answer your questions (I have not read others' responses so I am sorry if it is repetitive): So for those of you who have the gone through this: Is it worth going through closets and having clothes sent to be desmoked? Does it work? Yes, yes, absolutely yes. Our restoration company took everything soft out of our house to be cleaned. One thing to be aware of is, they may use a pretty harsh commercial detergent. I ended up being allergic to it and broke out in a rash that lasted 3 months after wearing what they had washed. I would ask if they have a hypo-allergenic option if you are the least bit sensitive.Is it worth going through all my (extensive) crafting closets and documenting all the supplies etc? Again, yes. Your insurance company may have someone who will help you do this. I know what you mean, it is very overwhelming. But they have seen it all, and probably worse/more extensive collections. They can help. I'm talking one big closet full of all my sewing/jewelry making/painting/needlework/and every other craft known to man supplies as well as a scrapbook room with cabinets full of supplies. How would I begin to estimate the value of everything, let alone remember everything I have in there. I have an extensive collection of old childrens books and Little Golden Books. They will always smell of smoke, right? No. The restoration company can air those out as well. Advice on how to just let it all go? or is there an alternative solution? How will I handle the next 6 to 8 months of living in "not my home"....I can't sugarcoat it, it is very hard. You will feel displaced. Be very good to yourself. Take whatever help is offered, whether it is for meals, or money, or however people offer to help. If there are items that the restoration company can clean immediately that are comfort items to you, do that. It helped me to have my oldest doll cleaned right away and in our temporary apartment. I know that sounds silly, but she was a reminder of home even though she had been in a drawer for 30 some years! Be aware that you may have some post-tramautic reactions. We were sleeping when our fire started and even four years later I will wake from a deep sleep thinking I smell smoke.
Again, I'm so very sorry. If you ever want to PM me to ask questions or just talk, please feel free. Hugs to you.
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Post by jenr on Dec 2, 2016 16:35:41 GMT
Oh, and also, the restoration company will probably put ozone machines in your home to clear the smell. It is amazing how completely well they work. Our fire was contained to "just" the back half of the house and the entire attic, and they put ozone machines in for a week and after that you couldn't even smell that there had been a fire. So that helps take the smell from anything the restoration company doesn't take. Also, as you go to rebuild, really take time to think about ways you may want to do things differently. Don't feel pressured by timelines. We made some decisions quickly and under stress, and now we wonder why we didn't change things here and there, or do a different style, or add things. Yes, it may cost above replacement value, but while you have workers in there, it will be the time to do it. The restoration companies are so used to this that sometimes they don't offer up all the information you may be wondering. Don't be afraid to ask questions. I'm so sorry about your pets, too. I didn't mention that in my last post. I may be back with more advice as I think of things
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suzastampin
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,587
Jun 28, 2014 14:32:59 GMT
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Post by suzastampin on Dec 2, 2016 16:35:44 GMT
I have no advise, but I wanted to let you know how sorry I am.
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likescarrots
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,879
Aug 16, 2014 17:52:53 GMT
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Post by likescarrots on Dec 2, 2016 16:43:41 GMT
I have no advice, but I'm so sorry you have to deal with this. I'm sorry for the loss of your pets.
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mimima
Drama Llama
Stay Gold, Ponyboy
Posts: 5,020
Jun 25, 2014 19:25:50 GMT
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Post by mimima on Dec 2, 2016 16:47:07 GMT
I'm sorry
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pudgygroundhog
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,643
Location: The Grand Canyon
Jun 25, 2014 20:18:39 GMT
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Dec 2, 2016 16:55:57 GMT
No advice, but I'm really sorry about what happened - especially the pets. I'm glad you have a great neighbors and friends and am sending best wishes for your recovery process. ((hugs))
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RosieKat
Drama Llama
PeaJect #12
Posts: 5,398
Jun 25, 2014 19:28:04 GMT
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Post by RosieKat on Dec 2, 2016 17:00:39 GMT
No helpful advice, I just wanted to say I'm so sorry you're dealing with this and I'm sorry about the loss of your pets. Best wishes to you, hopefully you'll be able to rebuild it into the house that meets your needs even better!
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Post by workingclassdog on Dec 2, 2016 17:05:46 GMT
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Yes I have been through the same thing, although it was my parent's home, not mine, but I was there the day after it happened. Most of my sentimental stuff was still at home (as I moved out before it happened)
This was 25+ years ago and I am still amazed what they could save. The restoration company did magic. Especially on furniture. I am sure 25+ years later technology is even better in saving stuff.
Our house fire started in the kitchen (Mr. Coffee Pot).. my dad used it before he left for work and he unplugged it and left...some wires inside it shorted out I guess...we never did know... we lost one dog and one cat. One dog was saved. It gutted the kitchen and family room. The refrigerator literally was melted to the ground. They took the opportunity to upgrade, etc. Funny thing is that other than the kitchen and family room, all the other rooms, their damage was not fire but water and smoke. So basically most of the house had to be rebuilt. ______________________ Is it worth going through closets and having clothes sent to be desmoked? Does it work?
YES, especially if there is something you want to save.... save it. I wouldn't bother with everyday stuff, but if it is a wedding dross or whatever, try to save it.
Is it worth going through all my (extensive) crafting closets and documenting all the supplies etc?
I would. We didn't have that kind of stuff, but I would try to take as many pictures as well of all the rooms.
I'm talking one big closet full of all my sewing/jewelry making/painting/needlework/and every other craft known to man supplies as well as a scrapbook room with cabinets full of supplies.
That is a lot of money, so I would definitely document.
How would I begin to estimate the value of everything, let alone remember everything I have in there.
One step at a time. Document first then go back and try to value.
I have an extensive collection of old childrens books and Little Golden Books. They will always smell of smoke, right? Advice on how to just let it all go? or is there an alternative solution?
I would see if the restoration company can help.
How will I handle the next 6 to 8 months of living in "not my home".... You will get used to it... there isn't a choice, so do the best you can!!! My parents rented a furnished home and the settled in nicely. Of course, you miss 'your' stuff, but stuff is stuff, thankfully you and your family didn't get hurt.
________________________
My parents moved into another house that was furnished, I think the rent or part of it was paid for by the insurance.. They were pretty helpful.
PM me if you have any questions. I can always ask my dad if he remembers anything else.
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Post by kristi on Dec 2, 2016 17:07:17 GMT
I am sorry {HUGS}
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valincal
Drama Llama
Southern Alberta
Posts: 5,637
Jun 27, 2014 2:21:22 GMT
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Post by valincal on Dec 2, 2016 17:17:36 GMT
No advice but I'm so very for the loss of your pets. What a terrible thing to have to deal with. I hope you can rebuild and get back on track as soon as possible. Take care.
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Post by katlady on Dec 2, 2016 17:19:44 GMT
I am so sorry! {{HUGS}}
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Post by lucyg on Dec 2, 2016 17:28:43 GMT
I am so sorry this happened to you, especially the loss of your animals. My parents lost their home in an urban wildfire that burned 3500 homes and killed 25 people. Most of the houses were reduced to just a chimney still standing and the rest was complete rubble. I have a small box with a few burned/melted but still recognizable metal items. So I can't help with your questions about restoring things. We had absolutely zero things left to restore. But I know about living off-site for months (actually years, in their case) on end. My parents found an apartment in a nice walking neighborhood they loved. They had to start from scratch on household items, so again, not quite the same situation. So I guess I'm really no help. Just wanted to say I'm sorry and that we, as a family, have been there.
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azredhead
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,755
Jun 25, 2014 22:49:18 GMT
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Post by azredhead on Dec 2, 2016 17:36:33 GMT
HUGS!! So sorry for all the losses! This happened to my adopted neice and her family. She was away at school and the parents were away on vacation. They had someone staying there and trying to light a fire in the fireplace without the flume thing open. It lit up like a Christmas tree. They lost everything. I know they do go through clothes and personal belongings. I'd say if you do have sorapbook stuff I would document it as well. 1. it's not cheap (the supplies) and if you have a good collection it would be worth it in the long run. Her dad was wood carver so he lost it all but the tools and such some they kept and most they lost. Hugs I hope things get done for you and it's not so stressful. I can only imagine! It was har for my neice since she grew up in the house.
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Post by maureen on Dec 2, 2016 17:42:14 GMT
I have no experience, but I am so very sorry for the loss of you pets.
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scrapngranny
Pearl Clutcher
Only slightly senile
Posts: 4,763
Jun 25, 2014 23:21:30 GMT
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Post by scrapngranny on Dec 2, 2016 17:42:19 GMT
I'm so sorry for what you are going through. A fire is a horrible experience by its self, but to lose your beloved pets on top of it all is so painful. You and your family will be in my prayers.
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zookeeper
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,909
Aug 28, 2014 2:37:56 GMT
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Post by zookeeper on Dec 2, 2016 17:49:31 GMT
I have no advice, but I could not read and run. I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this. Hugs!
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Post by scrapmaven on Dec 2, 2016 17:59:06 GMT
I'm so sad about the loss of your pets. Right now you have to take care of business, but please let people in who want to support you emotionally, too. This is a major trauma and your feelings are vital. Wishing you peace of mind as you begin to rebuild your future. I'm so sorry.
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