my brother's house is burning down

[Zoe Girl]

My mom just called. My brother is doing a total kitchen remodel in his home that is about 100 years old. He has done projects like this before, rewiring, gutting rooms, etc. In this case he hit a gas line and his house is burning down. The family is ok, my SIL works nights and was sleeping but got out and their kids got out okay. The one loss is their older dog who did not get out of the house.

I can't imagine how they are feeling right now but they have lived in their town a long time so I know they have support. My brother is very financially frugal and prepared as well. My oldest was saying maybe we could send a care package to their cousin, a girl who is 13, with things like makeup and lotions. I was thinking about how you lose all your familiar things (and all the new christmas presents) so I may start on afgans for the kids.

In any case please remember them, if anyone has any suggestions on how to help from several states away and a limited income then please feel free to tell me.

[Tradd]

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear this!

If you can rally other family members/friends to help, that might be a good idea. If your brother's family is going to be in a hotel for a while, perhaps those who are geographically could help with meals and such.

Something else I just thought of - I don't know how many photographs your brother's family kept online (such as Picasa or Flickr), but perhaps you could dig through your photographs and send him digital ones they may have lost, with the loss of their computers in the fire. Or you could take old hardcopy photos, scan them in, and make an online album of them for him. Or have prints made (those are very inexpensive) of photos you've scanned in. Whenever I've heard people talk after a disaster of any kind on the news, they've often lamented the loss of family photos.

If there was a special book or Bible that meant a lot, you might send another copy along to the family. That doesn't cost too much.

The afghans sound like a super idea.

[Tussiemussies]

So very sorry to hear this Zoe and glad that everyone was okay but sorry for the older dog.

Hope they get help as soon as possible. It must be devastating to them. Will pray for them...

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you, the photos are a good idea.

I am going to lead the buddhist service at church now so we will offer 'metta' to them.

[Bootsie]

So sorry to hear the news.

[Blackdog Lin]

Ditto sympathies. Sending prayers into the universe for your family.....

[iris lily]

That's terrible! Sorry.

[freein05]

They will be in my prayers.

[bunnys]

So sorry to hear of the loss--especially the dog! Everything else can be replaced. So sad.

[TMC]

I am so sorry to your brother and his family and the loss of their pet.

[fidgiegirl]

This is so upsetting, because it's like we're all watching it happen, figuratively, and no one can do anything. Which, of course, is how life works. Big good thoughts going their way.

[EarthSky]

So, so very sorry to hear this, Zoe Girl. Will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[mamalatte]

That's terrible news. Sending thoughts of strength to all involved.

If your brother has homeowner's insurance that he plans to make a claim on, it may be in his best interest to consult with a lawyer before talking to the insurance company. Sometimes very slight variations in how events are characterized can make a big difference in coverage. In other words, without advice he may say something not in his own best interest which the company will seize on to deny or reduce the claim.

[early morning]

Oh, what a sad thing to have happen. Good suggestions given - sending our thoughts out to you and your brother and family.

[SteveinMN]

Wow -- I'm glad (almost) everyone made it out safely, though. What a shock, though!

[Zoe Girl]

Thank you all, I just saw the pictures on facebook with the firefighters on thehouse and it smoking. I am not sure what the update is today. There was a RIP for Lucy on my SIL's facebook too.

[RosieTR]

Another thumbs up for the photo idea. Even just photos of your family would probably be nice if they lost all their photos. Best wishes to your brother and family.

[Float On]

So sorry to hear this.