I’m writing as a friend of someone affected by the fire in Lakewood earlier this week.

Families literally lost everything, with very limited insurance covering only a small part of what they lost. It is heartbreaking to think about the task of starting over.

This letter is not about judging anyone. The families deserve our sensitivity and support. I am writing because I hope someone reading this will make a phone call before facing a similar situation.

Please check your home insurance. If you rent, please don’t assume that your landlord’s insurance covers your belongings. It generally does not. There is a separate policy called renters insurance, and it can be much more affordable than people realize.

A renters policy can help cover belongings damaged or destroyed by a covered fire. It may also help with the additional cost of temporary housing and other necessary living expenses while the home is uninhabitable, subject to the policy’s limits and terms.

I’m not an insurance broker, and I am not recommending any company. Go to whichever broker or insurer you choose. Just ask what your options are and what adequate coverage would cost for your family.

If you already have insurance, ask what it actually covers. Is the amount enough to replace your belongings? Does it pay replacement cost or the depreciated value? What is the deductible? What would it cover if you had to live somewhere else? Are there items that need separate coverage?

A policy with a low premium but too little coverage may leave a family with a serious gap. The point is to understand what you are buying, not simply to have a policy.

No insurance can replace everything a family loses in a fire. But having the right coverage can make rebuilding less overwhelming.

Please make that call.

(Editor’s note: Here’s the link to help the families of the fire)

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