In Muncie, IN, a few nights ago, a mother was awakened from a sound sleep in her rented home by her toddler son.

“The house is on fire,” said the three year old.

As a parent, you never know what you’ll do in a situation like that until you’re in it. In this case, the mother used a blanket to try and put out the fire.

This is a tactic firefighters suggest is a poor choice. The reason is that a fire can spread out of control so quickly. “What looks like a small fire…they find has grown beyond control. And now the people in the house are in danger from heat, smoke and toxins,” said Muncie city fire Battalion Chief, Jim Clevenger.

The fire started in an upstairs bedroom and spread quickly. The mother and her son escaped the fire. Two female dogs and several puppies did not.

The Fire Aftermath

Smoke alarms were installed in the house but it remained unclear if they were working.

The fire started near a computer desk. On the desk were ashtray and multiple electrical cords.  There was no indication that the fire was intentionally set. It appeared to be an unfortunate accident.

Several people, including visitors, were in the house when the fire started. They all escaped unharmed.

Renter’s Insurance

Displaced by smoke, fire and water damage, the occupants did not have renters insurance. If they had, all of their belongings would have been covered up to the policy limit. They might have been able to get reimbursed for their living expenses while living elsewhere.

They also would have been protected against liability should any of their visitors make a decision to sue.

Renter’s insurance provides a lot of protection for a little cost.

Photo via dvs