I'm counting my blessings.

[Earthmuffin]

Greetings dear Lit fans and addicts alike. Here's a mental image for you.....Imagine, driving home, your precious life's blood your children in the back seat, happily munching BurgerKing and singing silly children's songs. Imagine one block from your abode....sirens ok, move the heck outta their way it's the cops they're in a damn hurry move ppl!! You wait for them to pass, procede towards your home...gee the cops are all over the place...hop out ask the first officer there "Is this a medical emergency? I'm a Nurse..." Officer "Nope, there's been a fire, please stay with your vehicle..." Your heart pounds...which of the duplexes? Which one! He won't tell you...the Fire fighters arrive and race...into your house!

I have to tell you it was hard not to race after them. Obviously, my computer survived. My television, VCR (the new one) and cable box did not. Along with the remotes and a few pieces of paper. They are calling it an "accident", but no one can tell me how an EXTINGUISHED candle that was at the very end (as in wick was at the metal end, no wax left) could ignite a fire several inches away.

I decided to take a break from cleaning up the mess, there is soot and dry chemical EVERYWHERE even upstairs. I had to whine. I know it could have been so much worse than it is. I can replace the electronics goodness knows. I can't replace the memory in my children's mind. Believe me, I'm grateful for every little thing in this world right now, but on the same hand, I'm so blown away.

Thank you one and all for reading this rambling pity party. I'm back to vacumming...anyone know how to get soot stains out of upholstery? How about the stench of melted plastic and dry chemical? I know I'm gonna have to paint the wall and ceiling...*sigh* If it's not one thing, it's another.

 

[Always]

uhhuhuhnnnuhh...

do lots of good-smelling cooking over the next few days? the febreeze stuff works.

 

[Bobtoad777]

soot out of upholstery 2 things work for me and I work as a land lords assistant cleaning apartments.

Hertzel Plus and Febreeze

be sure to check it on an unseen part of the fabric first though

 

[Adoratrice]

.........I have never talked to you but I wanted to tell you that I am so glad it was not any worse than it was...how terrified you must have been to realize it was your home. I don't know how old your children are but I hope it wasn't to traumatizing for them although I'm sure it was on some level, regardless of their ages.* DEEP BREATH*
There's nothing like having your life put in perspective huh??

 

[CW]

It's never good to,,,

Come home to that scene,,,, nope not at all.

With any luck you have insurance,,, so most if not all of the expenses will be covered. They won't willingly give you anything,,, so you'll have to push for anything you get.

As for the lingering smells and soiling, you may well have to call in a professional cleaner that does restoration and/or clean up after a fire. When it comes to painting you WILL have to use a stain blocker first as a primer coat and then apply the finish of your choice.

I do feel for ya,,, in 1987 my 1 year old house burned to the ground while we were at work,,, when I got home ALL that was left was some smoke and a little fire ( lived WAY OUT in the boonies back then )

GOOD LUCK !!!!!

 

[teresafannin]

Hello, I am so sorry about the house, but I am thankful it wasn't worse. Things can be replaced, your life & the lives of your children are much more important. The cleanup will take time, don't over do it, this has been a shock for you. I have used the Febreeze as well, both my parents smoke & I have used it on couch cushions, I hope it works for you. Take a big breathe & know that we are thinking about you. Take care.