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Mother's house burned to the ground less than two years after she buried her husband. What started as a small warm spot under the cedar paneling developed to a wisp of smoke and within minutes a wall of flame.

There was no time for her to think about possessions, treasured photographs or valued antiques. She had time to call 911, put on boots, coat and vacate the house she had called home for almost thirty years. Mother walked down the driveway during the bitter cold night to a neighbor's home across the street. I can only imagine what thoughts were going through her mind during that short walk. They stood inside and watched as flames shot higher than any roof line in the neighborhood reducing her memories to ash.

I didn't hear of the fire until the next morning when I made my usual morning call. She was still in shock. How do you even begin to pick up the pieces of your life when every thing you have loved and cherished has gone up in smoke or is burned beyond recognition? I am so proud of my Mother. She was brave and positive through that awful experience watching her home raging with fire.

You may think this is just another story to make you feel bad and that is not the case. I am telling you about this terrible house fire in hope you will realize the importance of insurance. What would happen to you and your family if there was an electrical problem and fire in your home tonight? Would you find safety from a fire with an escape plan? Do you have insurance to help you replace your house?

I can't say enough good things about the insurance company which handled Mother's claim. I cannot imagine a more frightening experience for a senior than to watch their home in flames. Thankfully, many of her possessions were replaced with the help of her insurance. Because there was no record of value (or photos) for the antiques it was impossible to establish a replacement value.

Mother is approaching the first anniversary of the house fire. Without house insurance she would not be living in a newly-constructed home and beginning to pick up the pieces. Thankfully the Fire Department found her cedar chest containing many pieces of china and amazingly most of the photograph albums were salvageable.

It can happen to you. Don't just buy a homeowners insurance policy but also document your possessions. Take video or Polaroid, or 35 mm. This is particularly important if there are antiques or collectibles in your home. Rather than risk losing them keep important papers in a vault at the bank. Extra keys, vehicle information, birth/death certificates, etc. should be in the vault.

Be prepared for a home fire before it happens.

Learn more about this author, Joanne Robbins.
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