Al Shank Sez….House Fire? I lived through one!

House Fire? Yep……I lived through one. The year was 1963 and things are quite different now then back in those days, but somethings don’t change if you go through it. The smell is unbelievable and very distinct. You lose things and don’t even realize it in some cases. If we couldn’t find something…for years after the fire…….we just said, “must have burned up in the fire.” It really tests a family. And even though we are taught, “Insurance gives you peace of mind,” thank goodness it let’s you know where the money is coming from to rebuild and start over, but it is stressful, hard work. From my perspective as a 9 year old it was hard as all my stuff was gone….clothes…toys….books..games. Thank goodness the fire fighters had broken out the backdoor first and the dog got out. I can’t even imagine what it was like for my parents. They had so many details to look after. My sister and her husband had just left for the military and all their wedding gifts were in the basement, where the fire started, and gone. Here was Dad, an insurance agent, now living the real life claims experience, trying to run a business and trying to decide “do we rebuild or move?” and “where do we go now?”  The house was at 807 N Sherman and it was a total loss. The heating guy had been out to the house that day to service the furnace so it would be ready for winter………and the furnace was the cause of the fire. It was a life changing experience and one I hope you never go through. 

Whether you rent or own….don’t go without homeowners or renters insurance. At least have the resources to start over. We know where you can get the coverage you need….call Rhonda or Myriam at ASI. Al Shank Insurance….Insurance as it Should be From People You Trust.”