I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my colleagues whom, in the past week, has given financial, emotional and spiritual support. Each of these is equally important and has made this ordeal a little easier and more bearable.

I know that everyone would like to help in any way they can. It is going to take some time to get organized and determine what we really need. What I will ask all of you to do now is look at this incident and learn from it. While you can never truly be prepared for a fire or other emergency there are precautions you can take to safeguard yourself and your family. If what we have learned from our misfortune can help just one other person, that is worth more than any possessions we may have lost.

If you currently rent, please make sure you have renter's insurance. If you have never heard of renter's insurance or have, but don't know where to look, all personal insurance companies offer it.

Think about all of your most important papers and documents such as your birth certificate, passport, and social security card, will etc. Are they stored out of the house in a safe place like a safe deposit box, or do you have a good quality safe that is fire proof? (http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/product/thumbnail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&expansionOID=-536895146) Do you have a complete list of all of your bank account numbers, credit cards, health, and personal information? A second copy with a family member who does not live with you or stored safely outside of your house or apartment?

Make sure that you have adequate fire extinguishers. Know the different types of fire extinguishers (http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm). If you already own fire extinguishers, inspect them to make sure they are in good working condition.

Make sure that you have emergency ropes or ladders, and a well-designed plan as to how to exit your house or apartment in case of a fire or other emergency. Have drills: go over the plan with everyone in the family. You can never be too safe. There are numerous web sites that will help you and your family plan in the event of an emergency.

http://www.usfa.fema.gov/kids/
http://www.smokeybear.com/
http://www.dos.state.ny.us/kidsroom/firesafe/firesafe.html
http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/keepsafe/readyfire.html

Make sure you check electrical wiring in your home and apartment. Get them up to code if they are old. Go to home depot or similar stores and learn about the different types of extension cords and make sure you use them correctly.

Buy smoke detectors or consider an alarm system. Check the batteries regularly and test the smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly.

Take a few minutes to sit down with your love ones and think of other ways you can protect each other in times of emergency. I am so lucky Chris and I, as well as our cat Magic, made it out safely. The love and support of our friends, family and colleagues is all that we need to begin anew. I feel truly blessed by the generosity that has been shown and am honored to be a part of this extended family.

With all of my love and gratitude