Have a to go bag ready and put it in a location that is easily accessible (i.e. next to your bed). Things to include: undies, cash, clothes, copies of ID, list of medication, list of doctors names, list of logins and passwords, charger for cell phone.

Know your exit and how many steps it takes to get to the stairs or doorway.

Spend money wisely in the beginning as you will go through more than you thought. Financially recovering from this event will take a while.

Find someone to talk to right away. 6 months later and I am still struggling with the emotional aspect of the home fire.

Take a deep breath and breathe. It’s going to be ok eventually. It’s not going to be ok tomorrow and it’s not going to be ok in a month. It’s going to take time. There are a lot of things you have to work through, a lot of things have to fall into place, but it will all be ok eventually.

Just going for a simple walk can calm you down, help you find peace, and clear your head.