I responded to a call last Sunday from a distraught homeowner in Mesa who had just had a fire in their home. The insurance company referred Arizona Fire & Water Restoration, Inc. and the homeowner asked us to do whatever was necessary. As I arrived, I saw the couple loading bags of food into their truck. The food was donated from the fire department. I spent several hours with them and as we walked through the house, it was apparent that they had lost most of their home and belongings.

I assured them that there were a lot of people out there that would help them through this difficult time and spent some time explaining the process of saving what valuables and belongings could be saved. We also talked about repairing the house, although I knew that most of what I was telling them would not be heard today. I gave them my word that we would be there for them from this day forward until they moved back in. They appreciated this.

As I left I was thinking to myself what would happen to me and my family if a tragedy like this ever occurred? Are the smoke alarms going to alert my children? Do they know how to get out if there is a fire? What about my 2 year old?

On this day, we are the lucky ones that didn’t have tragedy in our lives, but we all need to think about being prepared as you never know when it will strike.Change your batteries in your smoke detectors and make sure your family has a plan of action in the event of a disaster. 

-Stewart Shaver

Project Manager