Getting Through a Fire Loss: A Short Interview with Mr. Hugh Russell
Monday, June 3rd, 2019
I recently sat down with Mr. Hugh Russell to get the quick scoop on his experience with an insurance claim involving a fire in his home. Mr. Russell, a Hawkins county native, resides in Oak Ridge, TN. He taught school in Cocke County for a few years, and eventually retired from Oak Ridge schools as a kindergarten teacher. He loves to relax on his new deck, enjoys making beautiful handmade jewelry from glass and marbles, and you can usually find him working down at the White Elephant thrift store in Oak Ridge. His calm demeanor and sweet spirit are evidence that he knows the meaning of patience.
Q: What was the cause of the damage at your home?
A: The loss was due to an electrical fire near the kitchen, near where my late wife’s 2,000+ cookbooks were stored. She was an avid collector, one from every state. (He was able to salvage one on how to cook meals using a wood stove.)
Q: What was the biggest challenge you faced during the loss?
A: Aside from losing belongings, being displaced for 6-7 months. I stayed with my son in White Pine and vacationed at Myrtle Beach before renting an apartment in Oak Ridge for the remainder of time.
Q: Did it take longer than you expected?
A: Yes, the clear out and content packing and cleaning -along with demo took longer than expected. Once construction started it went faster.
Q: Was there a lesson you learned?
A: Do not hoard things and have excess clutter in your home.
Q: Do you have anything to share to that would make things easier for someone experiencing an insurance claim?
A: Take things day to day and try to relax, take things with a grain of salt and a whole lot of patience.
Q: Was working with your insurance company difficult?
A: No, the insurance was easier to deal with than I thought, and very cooperative in my case.
Mr. Russell was a great client to work with, and we are very happy to see him proudly enjoying his new home.
Kitchen, Before and After
Side, Before and After
Front Porch View
Thank you, Mr Russell for trusting us with your home, sharing your advice, and for taking the time to talk about your experience!
If you have any questions for us -or if you or a loved one has sustained damages at your home or business, call us up 24/7 at 865-691-1169, we’ll take care of you too!
Thanks for stopping in, and Happy Father’s Day!!!
-Amanda