House fires can be devastating to families. Even if no deaths occur, you can be emotionally traumatized by the loss of precious items burned in the fire. The following story reported by the Olympian is another sad reminder of the need to be prepared for fires:
Jerry Gilliland’s home on Walnut Loop on Olympia’s west side was destroyed Thursday night, most likely after a candle in the living room fell from a wall sconce, he said.
Gilliland lived at the home with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, as well as two granddaughters, ages 8 and 6. All six family members made it out of the home after a smoke detector alerted them to the blaze a little after 7 p.m., but the family’s beagle, Ivy, died, Gilliland said.
Gilliland was back at his home Friday afternoon, trying to salvage any belongings that hadn’t been destroyed. He said he was able to save precious little, including jewelry and family photos from the home, where he has lived since 1987.
You can learn from this story by doing what you can now to prevent future loss because of a fire. For example, put all valuable documents, jewelry and other items in a fire and water proof safe. Store the safe with your home survival kit so that you can evacuate with them both.
Source:
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1068278.html