A house fire is a particularly traumatic event, with most people suffering from emotional distress in its aftermath. As a friend to someone dealing with these feelings, you might feel helpless in the face of their grief. Nevertheless, there are many ways you can help them through this crisis and reclaim their life on their terms. From helping them through a roof replacement to giving them ways to celebrate birthdays and special events despite less-than-favorable circumstances, both large and small efforts can show your friend your genuine support.
Create and preserve new memories.
After a house fire, even one that caused no injuries, the homeowner will undoubtedly mourn the loss of their memories. Of course, they’ll still have the literal memories stored in their hippocampus or amygdala. The tangible memories, though, like photos, mementos, and cherished heirlooms, went up in flames. Figure out how you can help your friend preserve their memories in new ways and make new memories to take forward. Custom-made gifts are perfect for this, especially if you use their digital photo collection to create wall art, mugs, or other unique gift ideas. Whether you invite them over for mother’s day to celebrate or surprise them with a personalized to-go cup to bring a smile to their face, a small gift or even time together can help your friend move forward.
Help them get back on their feet.
Another simple way to help a friend who’s lost their home in a fire is to cross things off their to-do list. For instance, they might need to replace the roof and finish other renovations before trying to repair their house. You could seek out the right Melbourne roofing contractors for the job, suggesting roofers who’ll do an excellent job giving them a new roof and doing so at a great price. You can even arrange for a roofing contractor to determine a free estimate for their new metal roof. Finding a roofer might seem unhelpful, but your friend will be grateful to have one less thing they need to worry about.
Find unique ways to support them.
If you aren’t sure how you can support your friend through this time, one of the simplest ways you can help is to ask them what they need. Some people might want emotional support, while others might prefer tangible help getting back on their feet. Your friend will know better than anyone what they truly need, and you can’t know that answer without asking them. Unless you can read minds, you’ll help your friend the most by asking them what it is they need.
Be there for them.
Even if you did nothing else for your friend in this time of need, they’d be grateful for you simply being by their side throughout the fire’s aftermath. Listen to their frustration, act as a shoulder to cry on, or just keep them company. There’s no monetary value to emotional support, yet it’s one of the most critical ways you can be there for them despite this distress.
Whether you’re helping them to navigate the process of roof repair or you’re just taking a photo together, supporting a friend who’s lost their home in a fire can come in many forms. Consider what you know about your friend, or ask them directly what you can do to help. Some people might want the distraction of social connection, while others may need a hand getting through the list of tasks they’ll need to complete to get back on their feet. Perhaps most importantly, your friend will be glad to know that, despite all they’ve lost, they still have your friendship.
