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02-02-2014, 09:02 AM

#21

angiecub

Senior Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Illinois

Posts: 509

Quote:

Originally Posted by sewbeeit42

We lost our home, all of its contents, our RV and car in the PG&E San Bruno gas explosion of 2010. We thought we had done a good job of documenting our belongings by taking videos of them all. Unfortunately we stored them in our RV which was also lost in the blast. I strongly recommend that you take loads of pictures, but that you transfer them to DVD's and give copies to family and friends not in the area. Our insurance company, Hartford, by contract still owes us over $200,000 which they will never pay. They signed us off. Insurance is not all you think it will be plus the hours listing all of the items plus where, when they were purchased and their replacement cost.

Our home was leveled and cars totaled in the November 17 tornado in Washington, Illinois. I agree that somehow all of your possessions need to be documented. I had all of our recipes and pictures on a flash drive, but it was in the desk drawer, which is also gone. Should have had it in a safe deposit box or copies with someone else. When we get back home, I will have pictures of everything on a flash drive and will store that somewhere other than home, because while the insurance co has been good at reimbursing what we reported lost, I know we don't remember everything we accumulated over the last 30 years.

02-02-2014, 09:16 AM

#22

tessagin

Power Poster

Join Date: Mar 2013

Location: Corpus Christi, Tx.

Posts: 16,105

We have a niece who sews/quilts (learning). Just recently found out our oldest DGD has taken up sewing. She likes "Cosplay" and making her own costumes. Not exactly sure what Cosplay is but she says it's dressing up as a favorite video game character, like Trekkies stuff. ANyway have given some things to them. DGD just recently purchased her first sewing machine. Will be happy helping her with that. We have renters insurance and I keep all receipts as far as anything in regards to sewing/quilting. Machines and notions are not cheap.

02-02-2014, 10:08 AM

#23

oldpiglady

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: N E OHIO

Posts: 343

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snippybebe

A couple of years ago, I answered an ad on Kijiji (want ads). It was a young mother of 3 girls who lost her home due to fire. Their insurance coverage was not enough to cover her sewing goodies and she was looking for donations from fellow sew-ers who could spare anything...patterns, notions, fabric, anything at all. So, I went through my closet(s) of fabrics and such and ended up giving her 5 large trash bags filled to the brim of fabric and patterns and notions...She was so surprised and so grateful, ....Her girls rifled through picking out fabrics they liked and wanted mom to sew for them. So excited indeed.

It felt so good to know how much she appreciated it all. But, it made me take inventory and put a value on my goodies...I was shocked when I added it all up. Especially all the notions and patterns...My advice to everyone is to do a rough calculation and make sure you have enough coverage. I would be absolutely devastated to lose my collection.

Oh My! Yes!!! I just posted on another thread. I lost everything last year in a house fire. Many of you wonderful friends took care of me. I had nothing. I rec'd everything a girl would want. Even a couple sewing machines from out of state. It means the world to someone who has lost everything. Of course, I was sewing while naked cause I lost all my clothes. lol Only Kidding! Wonderful to be able to help when needed. Just wish I had taken the time to get renter's insurance.

02-02-2014, 10:13 AM

#24

oldpiglady

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: N E OHIO

Posts: 343

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jingle

You have to be careful helping out people saying how they lost everything in a fire and asking for donations.
There have been several on here asking for donations. I think the people in charge has tightened that up and I haven't seen anymore for a while. I donate what I don't want to goodwill or salvation army.

I somewhat resent that comment. Why would someone say they were in a fire...if they weren't? You can't be serious!

02-02-2014, 10:23 AM

#25

oldpiglady

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: N E OHIO

Posts: 343

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.Elizabeth

It is definitely nice when the recipient acknowledges a gift. I sent lots of fabric 2-3 years ago to someone on this board who indicated she needed materials because of her financial situation. Not one word of thanks did I ever receive!

When you-all helped me out last year...I spent weeks sending out thank you notes. That's the way I was brought up. Appreciate what people can do for you.

Last edited by oldpiglady; 02-02-2014 at 10:25 AM.

02-02-2014, 01:51 PM

#26

gale

Super Member

Join Date: Apr 2007

Location: North-Central Indiana

Posts: 4,909

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpiglady

I somewhat resent that comment. Why would someone say they were in a fire...if they weren't? You can't be serious!

To get free stuff. It happens a LOT on the internet. I remember several stories (not on this board but other boards) where people faked cancer or faked that their kids had cancer in order to get sympathy, attention and in some cases, lots of donations. I know of people who have claimed to try to commit suicide, claimed they were in a car accident, claimed to have been flooded, etc and they got a lot of attention and some got donations before they were outed.

02-02-2014, 05:34 PM

#27

Grandma58

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: montana

Posts: 1,362

I think there are some people on here that do ask when they do not need, they are not to be confused with you who really did lose things. One does have to be careful. Look at how long some one has been a member and how often they are on. Take me for example, sometimes I am here a lot and some times not. What if today I said I lost everything and needed help. If I were reading it I would wonder if it were sketchy.

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpiglady

I somewhat resent that comment. Why would someone say they were in a fire...if they weren't? You can't be serious!

02-03-2014, 01:01 AM

#28

oldpiglady

Senior Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: N E OHIO

Posts: 343

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandma58

Hadn't thought of it that way. I understand. In my case..I was in the burn unit at Akron Children's Hospital for 2 weeks. At one point, I discovered they had a computer for others to use. I asked to be taken to it. It was quite a painful journey. I went to the QB just to let people know why I wasn't online recently. It went viral...and people really responded. To my disbelief. Twinkie...who has since become my good friend...saw it and spread the word. I was totally in awe the responses I rec'd. The local Fox tv channel even did a story on my home coming to a new apartment. Complete with all "new" furnishings. I would never wish my experiences on anyone. The long term effects of being in a burning house for too long...are devastating. Not to mention the PTSD. I would like to add...had it not been for that fact...I would not have made the special friendships I have now...with members here on this board. Love you ALL.

02-03-2014, 06:55 AM

#29

Grandma58

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: montana

Posts: 1,362

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldpiglady

I am glad you are well and because something horrible really happened to you there was an outpouring of support. I hope you continue to get better and I hope all of us who can will still help those in need. I also hope we will not be duped by those who are fakes, because that hurts us all.