My house caught fire today

[KissingintheDark]

I'm just feeling numb and lost. The sun on a mirror caused the kitchen to catch alight. It happened so fast. The flames ran up the curtain...I'm alone so no one else to confide in how shocked I feel The fireman put it out but the kitchen is bad and the whole house smells of burnt plastic...I don't know where to start. I'm not insured.

A bit of background, I'm 79 years old, in social housing and don't have household ins. I stayed here overnight but the acrid fumes are too much, my throat is raw with it today and I realised can't stay again. Everything I touch is gluey and has a thin layer of soot on it, I noticed even the labels on my prescription meds have shrivelled because of the heat though the packets look ok otherwise so will need to get new meds too today. The list never ends.

You need to seek medical attention OP, smoke inhalation can be nasty. Stay with a friend or check with your housing association whether their insurance covers you for a hotel or alternative housing. Have they been round?!! That's shocking if not and you're 79 years old!

I've been through a devastating house fire. I advise you as strongly as it is possible for me to do to find someone, TODAY, to talk things through with. It is an emotional safety valve and release that is beyond value for your present and future mental health. I'm sorry for your trouble. Good luck.

It's a positive you're in social housing, they will need to accommodate you even temporarily while the home is made habitable, I'm not being rude but also at your age (and it sounds like you also have medical conditions) you will be considered a vulnerable adult which will give priority, call your housing provider first thing as soon as they are open they should've offered yesterday but maybe didn't realise the extent of damage and the impact of the fumes etc on your health. Is there anyone in real life you can support you?

How shocking. I hope you are OK 💐

I have a mirror on my bathroom windowsill and will move it. That has been quite a wake up call for me.

This is terrible. You should not stay there, it will be bad for your health. If your landlord doesn't rehouse you today, ask Citizens Advice to advocate for you. It's an emergency. Please let us now know what happens.

So sorry this has happened. Please get in touch with your social housing provider and ask about being moved to emergency accommodation. You really can't be staying there until the fire damage is repaired.

Thanks for sharing as well - this thread is a good reminder on the dangers of mirrors being left in sunlight. My SIL had a christmas snow globe on her window sill which burnt a hole in her roller blind, even though the sun is much weaker in winter.

Thanks everyone for replying and really helpful advice. I phoned soc housing this morning and waiting now to hear if I will go to temp housing. Everything I touch here is contaminated with a sticky glue type substance. It's everywhere. I didn't realise till now either that prescription meds [I keep in the kitchen] will be destroyed by the intense heat alone even if the packet looks ok. So much to sort out and I don't know where to start.

Glad to hear you've phoned soc housing. Is there a friend you can go to? It really isn't safe for you to stay there both respiratory-wise and also there could be damage to the electrics - that will all need checking. I'd also email soc housing so there's a paper trail of you seeking emergency help.

Baby wipes can often save belongings if the smoke damage is light. Hot soapy water can sometimes clean off the smoke residue but be prepared to bin a lot of things as that 'glue' is acidic in nature and continues to burn its way into an object's surface.

I second a previous poster about paper trails.

OP, firstly listen to your body and if you're not feeling right in any way due to fumes, call GP. I'd be tempted to phone them anyway, as I read yesterday that heat might affect the effective of some meds - given yours have been very close to excessive heat, worth checking that out.

Just wondering if Age Concern could give you any advice/direct you anyway for support.

If you don't fancy A&E & getting a GP appointment might be difficult, try a Minor Injuries Unit:

https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/our-services-and-sites/community-hospitals-minor-injuries-units-mius-and-mental-health-inpatient-sites/mius

That's a page with Dorset MIUs & their information. I'd phone & check first, though, as a couple of years ago I needed to use one & it wasn't walk-in any more: I had to ring 111 & get assessed first.

For prescription meds, contact the GP surgery & explain what's happened & ask for replacements. If you need them quickly, make them aware of that. They should be able to get a GP to sign off the prescription today.