Windsor Home Inventory

Mystery donor saves couple from fire, gives cash

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:58:00 +0000

An unemployed Windsor couple who lost everything in a house fire Monday say they’re upset by their loss, astonished by the generosity of a stranger, and unperturbed by a municipal fire department ticket.

Dustin Menard and Kim Thibodeau’s strange day began at about 9 a.m. when they were roused out of bed by the sound of someone pounding on the front door of their Princess Avenue home. “We thought it was just a friend — somebody popping by trying to get us out of bed,” said Menard, 35.

But the couple didn’t recognize the woman on the other side of the door who was urging them to get out of their house as quickly as possible. “She was saying, ‘I think your house is on fire. There’s smoke coming out of your attic,’” Thibodeau said.

The woman told them a neighbour had already called the fire department, and then she quickly left the area. But that wasn’t the last time they’d see the “mystery woman” who saved their lives.

While Thibodeau rescued the couple’s pet turtle, Slippy, and two dogs, Quinn and Dryden, Menard grabbed a wet towel and a fire extinguisher and ran upstairs to try to douse the flames. “But the fire was too consuming and I couldn’t see nothing,” he said. “(The smoke) was just billowing out. I had to get out of there real fast.”

Thibodeau and Menard sat outside in their truck for a couple of hours as they watched firefighters cut a hole in the roof and flood the attic with water. While they were waiting, the same woman who had warned them of the fire appeared at the window of their truck and knocked on the glass.

“She said, ‘I’m glad you guys got out. God bless you and thank God you guys are all right,’” Thibodeau said. Then, the woman handed them a bank envelope. “She just said, ‘Here. You guys going to need it.’”

Menard said, “We tried to ask her, ‘Why, why, who are you?’ But she just took off and left.”

“She just wanted to stay anonymous and just help us, kind of like Santa,” said Thibodeau.

Menard, who was laid off by Ford plant about two years ago, and Thibodeau, who was laid off in the summer from her janitorial job, said the $200 to $300 in the envelope will help them get back on their feet. “We’d just like to thank the mystery lady who saved us,” said Menard. “Whoever you are, we appreciate it. We really respect your kindness.”

The money could come in handy sooner than the couple imagined. After the fire was extinguished, they were handed a $235 ticket by the fire department for a smoke alarm violation.

Menard said the smoke detector in the small house was functional, but the couple had taken it down the night before the fire. A wood stove installed in the house just a few days earlier had been activating the alarm on the weekend, sending their epileptic dog Dryden into seizures.

“It was sitting there right on the kitchen counter,” Menard said.

But he seemed unperturbed by the ticket. “That’s the least of my worries right now. The fine is meaningless to me. I just hope everybody else can use it as awareness to have smoke alarms.”

Assistant chief of fire prevention Shawn Boutette said the fire was caused by faulty wiring and estimated damage to be about $30,000.

Menard said while the house, owned by his family, was insured, the couple’s belongings were not.

-The Windsor Star

This article ends with a statement about the couple's belongings not being insured. Please use this article as an example to have insurance and to have a complete documentation of your belongings.

Fire burns house's attic

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:47:00 +0000

Firefighters battled a blaze Monday morning that broke out in the attic of a house on Windsor’s east side.

When they arrived, flames were shooting from the roof, but firefighters knocked the blaze down relatively quickly.

The fire broke out around 10 a.m. in the attic of a small house at the corner of Edsel Court and Princess Avenue. Police blocked off Princess as firefighters battled the blaze.

Investigators are still trying to determine a damage estimate and the cause of the fire.

-The Windsor Star

Fires can destroy more than just your home. It can destroy everything you've worked so hard for. Everything you have is contained within your home. Are you protected? Other than having home insurance will you be able to remember the contents of your home if it burned to the ground? If you forget or miss anything that you tell the insurance company you won't be able to maximize your insurance claim. Having a home inventory will give you peace of mind in those stressful times and will act as documentation of all the contents of your home to provide insurance companies. Preparing for disasters is a daunting task, but you'll be glad you did in case it ever does happen to you. Call Windsor Home Inventory 519-903-0552

Generosity erupts: Windsorites jump to aid of burnt-out families

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 20:08:00 +0000

WINDSOR, Ont. -- Two people offered to play Santa Claus, someone planned to drop off a truckload of furniture and one guy even offered up a house.

Windsorites showed their true Christmas spirit Thursday after learning of the plight of a number of families left homeless with no possessions after a fire on the weekend. Michelle, who wanted to remain anonymous, was collecting her extra furniture, a Christmas tree with decorations and planning to buy toys after reading about it in The Star.

“This young lady lost everything, and I don’t want her to lose faith,” Michelle said of one of the victims. “I want to try to help her out and provide a Christmas for these kids. I have to do this. I have so much stuff and it’s just sitting here in my attic, my basement.”

The fire broke out around 11:55 p.m. Saturday in one of the row houses at 5510 Lassaline Ave., causing $350,000 in damage to several units. It’s still under investigation.

Venessa Reynolds said the fire started in her unit. Reynolds said she and her daughter Nariah, 2, and nine-month old son Landon lost everything.

She was next door at a friend’s place when the fire started.

“Her front door faces my backyard,” said Reynolds, 22. “When I went outside, the flames were from the ground hitting the roof. All I could think about was all my stuff. How can you describe it? I lost everything.”

People flooded The Star with calls Thursday hoping to give the families back at least a little of what they lost. One Windsorite offered a family the use of a house for free until January. Another wanted to give a $500 gift certificate to a toy store. The Evening Guild Ladies at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church are planning to empty out their Giving Room — full of bedding, clothing and even some appliances — and drop the stuff off for the families.

Fusion Hair Studio on Tecumseh Road is planning a haircutting fundraiser on Sunday.

Brad MacLaren, of MacLaren’s photo lab, was one of two people offering to dress up as Santa Claus. He said he already had the outfit because the shop does Santa pet and kid photos every Sunday in December.

“In December, I’m always dressed as Santa,” said MacLaren. “So when I saw they’re not going to get a Santa, I thought it may be time to jump in and offer my Santa services.”

Jeff, a Belle River resident also wishing to remain anonymous, wanted a Christmas wish list from affected children.

“I want to get a Christmas list from the kids of what they want,” said Jeff. “My wife and I want to go shopping for them and drop off the gifts to whoever. As long as it gets to the kids I’m happy with that.”

The outpouring of support came as a surprise to fire victims.

“I’m very thankful,” said Reynolds. “I will make it known when everything is done how thankful I am.”

Krysta Grabish, who said she was also left homeless along with her daughter Ashlee, 7, and son Evan, 2, was also overwhelmed.

“Everybody lost here and we all had children, and if they could get the help too that’s awesome,” said Grabish. “I’m so touched. I’m very surprised. That people care about my children, I am touched because they are strangers and it is coming from the heart.”

-The Windsor Star

Windsor police seek suspect after botched Seminole Street convenience store robbery

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:31:00 +0000

Here is another robbery attempt at a local convenience store on Seminole street. http://www.windsorstar.com/Windsor+police+seek+suspect+after+botched+Seminole+Street+convenience+store+robbery/2289682/story.html

Are you insured for Cash Value or Replacement Cost?

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:24:00 +0000

Here's an important excerpt taken from an NAIC news release: (read the full article here http://www.naic.org/Releases/2008_docs/disaster_survey.htm .)

The NAIC survey also found that 43 percent of U.S. adults with homeowners or renter's insurance owned policies that provided a replacement cost payout. Of the remaining consumers, 27 percent indicated their policies insured their homes for the actual cash value, while another 28 percent did not know which type of coverage they purchased.

Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to a home and its contents after depreciation. Replacement cost is the amount it would take to replace or rebuild a home or repair damages with materials of similar kind and quality, without deducting for depreciation.

"Many consumers are not able to recover after a disaster because they don't realize how depreciation can impact their assets," Praeger said. "It is important that consumers understand the implications of purchasing an actual cash value policy vs. replacement cost insurance. In the event of a disaster, the difference could mean thousands of dollars in payout."

Windsor police bust would-be burglar

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:37:00 +0000

WINDSOR, Ont. — A 41-year-old Windsor man is in custody after police arrested him while he was in the process of breaking into a second-floor downtown Windsor residence early Monday.

The man’s efforts were concentrated on the upper unit of a duplex in the 700 block of Janette Avenue, said police.

The occupant of the residence had called police after being startled by the man’s attempts to get inside.

According to police, the suspect was still using his shoulder to try to force his way through a rear door when officers arrived at the scene around 4:25 a.m.

Police said officers also saw the man walk around on the roof of the building and try, unsuccessfully, to open a window.

Officers shouted up at the man to get his attention, telling him to stop and put his hands in the air.

They climbed a set of outside stairs to a second-floor balcony and arrested the man without trouble.

The suspect, a Windsor resident, faces one count of attempted break and enter.

-Taken from The Windsor Star

Phone Interview with Windsor Police about Inventory importance

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:27:00 +0000

I just had a phone conversation with the Windsor Police after asking some very important questions. What you should know about having a home inventory done and protecting/recovering your valuables in case of a burglary were the topics of discussion.

There has been a lot of discussion regarding the value of having video or digital photographs in a home inventory. When recovering stolen items there really isn't a difference between photographs and video, the police say. They are generally the same, in that, they depict the item being inventoried. In my opinion you don't need both video and digital photo done in your inventory. I've done research on some home inventory businesses in North America and these companies offer both services of photo and video of inventory. You don't need both. A still shot digital photograph is all that is needed.

The police also say photos become more important for jewellery and collectible items as well as other non-serial number inscribed items. When an item doesn't have a serial number the police will rely on detail to narrow down your item. A picture shows this detail and any distinct markings.

Register your item

Whenever you purchase a new product (electronics, appliances, computers, etc) most of the time they will come with a registration form to either mail in or fill out online at their website. A lot of people disregard these registrations. Big mistake. By registering your purchase which includes a record of the model number and serial number, you automatically have the security of it being documented or inventoried. If your item is damaged or stolen you can call the company and they'll have all of your product information and it will aid police in it's recovery if stolen.

The Windsor Police recommend having an inventory done and say that having the model number and serial number of items and pictures of non-serial number items documented are the most important in the recovery of stolen items.

I would like to thank the Windsor Police Services for their time and courtesy in this matter.

Windsor suspect busted mid-burglary

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

WINDSOR, Ont. NOVEMBER 16, 2009 12:02 PM — A man is in custody after Windsor police interrupted a break-in at a restaurant early Monday.

The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. in the 2400 block of Dougall Ave.

Officers arrived to find the front window of the business smashed and a black pick-up truck parked outside the building. According to police, the sound of banging could be heard coming from inside.

Police surrounded the building. A man peeked out the door, then ducked back inside. Police ordered him to come out and he complied.

Inside, police found a sledgehammer and a pry bar. There was damage to cash registers, the locks on bar coolers and two television sets.

Paul Cacilhas, 41, faces one count of breaking and entering, as well as one count of possessing break-and-enter instruments.
-Windsor Star

It's not only homes, but businesses who should have an inventory done of all their mainstay equipment like computers, cash registers, photocopiers, electronics, furniture, etc. Windsor Home Inventory can help by documenting and photographing your inventory of valuables and equipment.

An Article Taken From the Denver Post About Inheritance

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 06:02:00 +0000

http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_9789819

A couple of key points from the article -

-"Take a couple of weeks to grieve. It's an emotional process," Fowler said.

One exception to this suggestion is if the deceased lived alone. Then, someone should be sure to safeguard the property from vandals or even family members who may be tempted to take personal property to which they're not entitled. -

-Asset inventory blues
Preparing an inventory of the estate isn't always simple. More than one house could be involved in the inheritance.
"A lot of times, if the person is just living on their own, it's a challenge to track down all the assets," he said.
This process must be completed within three months. -

Home Inventory for Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:27:00 +0000

Christmas is upon us and I know everyone has begun their shopping since Halloween ended. Christmas is the time where people acquire new things in the form of gifts. This means your home inventory and valuables increase or change more than anytime of the year. You may have received a new microwave oven, a piece of jewellery, new tools, etc. That is the perfect time to have an inventory done by Windsor Home Inventory. Having a full documentation of your valuables will go a long way in helping in times of turmoil when a fire, water damage, or theft occur. It's one less thing you'll have to worry about if that ever happens to you. You already have that list of valuables including serial numbers, model numbers, dollar value, description, pictures, etc. to show your insurance company what you had and what you lost.

Windsor Police Statistics for 2008 Year End

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:46:00 +0000

All I could dig up from their website is up to and including December 2008 crime statistics which include robberies, and break/enters and attempts http://www.police.windsor.on.ca/statistics_new/statistics.adobe/2008/december08internetcrimestatistics.pdf

Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends taking home inventory

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:35:00 +0000

Quick, what’s the make and model of your television? When did you buy it? How much did it cost?

If you’re like most people, you take such things for granted. You bought it and it works. End of story. But what if you had to replace it and ALL of your other possessions? After a fire or a break-in, an inevitably stressful time, do you think you could remember all the details that went into making your house a home and what everything cost? It’s amazing how much stuff builds up over time!

Take the time now to make a record of your possessions and minimize the worry later. http://www.ibc.ca/en/BeSmartBeSafe/Loss_Prevention_Tips/Inventory.asp

Windsor Home Inventory can help you and provide solutions to your home inventory. Call us or email us today http://windsorhomeinventory.com/contact.asp

Police witness break-in, collar man, woman

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 01:56:00 +0000

WINDSOR, Ont. -- A Windsor man and a Chatham woman are in custody facing an array of charges after police interrupted a daytime break-in on Monday — but police warn that the incident was not the first of its kind this summer in the city’s east side.

Police spokesman Sgt. Brett Corey said 25 break-and-enter crimes have occurred since May in the residential areas south of Riverside Drive East and north of South National Street, between Pillette Road and Jefferson Boulevard.

Almost all the break-ins have happened during the day.

“They’re looking for an easy opportunity. They’re looking for open windows with screens covering them, screen doors that are shut with the interior door open,” Corey said. “They’re looking for points of entry that are easily accessible.”

Police nab 2 in break and enter

noreply@blogger.com (Gregg @ Windsor Home Inventory) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 00:58:00 +0000

Two men are in custody in Windsor, Ont., following a suspected break-in at a house on the city's east side.

The suspects used a crowbar to break in the back door of a house in the 1000 block of Langlois Avenue just before 12:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, police said.

Plainclothes officers followed them in and arrested them after a brief struggle, police said.

The men, aged 28 and 25, and from Windsor and Calgary, respectively, have been charged with one count each of break and enter, possession of break and enter tools, and resisting arrest.

Police had been tracking one of the men since they noticed an increase in break-ins in Windsor and Essex County in July.

Is it happening in your neighborhood? If thieves take your stuff, you deserve to get it back or get paid for it by your insurance. Could you file a complete and accurate report should you suffer a loss? Get a home inventory today - don't wait. Visit Windsor Home Inventory to learn how.