When The Smoke Clears

There have been many families who have been awakened during the night because there is a fire in their home. Other times it might have taken place while there was no one even at home. In some cases it could start in another room while you all are gathered around the television watching one of your favorite shows. Fires show no respect of timing and they are never expected. They just happen sometimes for a reason and sometimes due to accidental setting.

Whatever the reason or time a fire gets started in a home, it is always tragic for those who live there. Even small fires can throw a families schedule out of whack and when the worst happens they can lose everything they have. How does a parent explain to a small child that their favorite toys are all burned up because mommy left a grease pan unattended on the stove or that the electrical outlet Dad just never got around to having repaired caused the whole thing. Of course these are just scenarios put the pain a family can through after a disaster such as a fire are all too real.

Usually it is literally after the smoke clears when they can really access all of the damage that was done. There will be repairs to be made and property to replace. The extent of repairs and property loss will all depend on how bad the fire was. How quickly and to what extent recovery can be made will depend on how much insurance coverage a home owner has. If they have no coverage at all, it is worse still.

The most important thing is if no one is injured or killed during the fire. Everyone eventually recovers from fires when there are only material possessions lost, but when a loved one is injured, maimed, or killed it can be a tragedy that can haunt the family forever. If you ever wondered just how important fire safety is in a home, all you have to do is ask someone who lost a loved one because of negligent fire safety or a senseless accident.

Hind sight is always 20/20, but it does not have to be that way. Make sure your home is inspected regularly for faulty wiring or other things that could easily start a fire. Use precaution with space heaters and fireplaces. Teach your children how to escape a burning home to safety. Make sure your home has working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and escape ladders if needed. Do not let your family be the ones standing outside in the dark of night or any other time waiting for the smoke to clear in order to see what you have left.