Whenever I mention my desire to build post-disaster housing, I get a funny look as most people say, “you mean like the FEMA trailers?” Images like this one were far too common after Katrina and have been burned into our memories by the media. So first off, let’s dispel that myth.
Image Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
You wake up in the middle of the night to a smoke alarm going off, a loud knock at the door, or the smell of smoke… within seconds you have to get out of your home as quickly as possible. You grab your loved ones and pets and run outside. If you’re lucky, you grabbed your cell phone or wallet on the way out. Before you know what happened, you are standing outside as the Fire Department battles the flames. Everything you own is burnt, melted, or water logged. Now what?
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As a Red Cross responder, I have met many people who are recovering from house fires. Most of these people are renters and most don’t have insurance. Dealing with a fire or other disaster is an overwhelming, frustrating and stressful experience, but having insurance can bring much-needed relief. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 95% of homeowners have insurance, however only 40% of renters have insurance. Why do YOU need it?
