Post #223531 by hodadhank on Tue, Mar 28, 2006 9:21 AM

Dude, I'm so, so sorry. I hadn't planned on posting on TC about this, only informing TC Ohana who'd be directly effected, but I'm actually going through the same type of thing right now. Several weeks ago I had a fire in my business, which is now closed while our private Adjusting Service and Insurance Co duke it out in an attempt to alternately maximize or minimize our benefits. We can't do a thing till they're finished. Huge bummer. Pretty much a total loss. We were in the middle of a remodel too, building a nifty in store a-frame and tiki grotto to display bar ware, island carvings, books, artwork and tiki specialty goodies. After almost a decade I'd finally committed funds to doing it right and housing it all in an atmosphere reflecting my love for the culture. Fortunately the guy helping with my build-out surfs and snowboards more than he builds or we'd have to tare down the entire completed project. As it is, everything we'd finished will have to be torn out including all thatch, reed, wall coverings and the new bamboo shelving built to display a huge selection of tiki mugs(now also covered in smoke and debris). Good news: I called Holden at Tiki Farm and he insists all properly glazed ceramics should be easily washed, good as new. Bad news: All soft goods that can't fit in the washing machine are history so I'd resign myself to replacing anything fabric in your home too including the carpet. I've also been told that even glass and metal will pit if soot isn't removed quickly. It's amazing how that smoke got everywhere. Thousands of dollars worth of premium cigars in a humidor I believed to be airtight are covered with a dirty film. So are files, catalogs and paperwork in well-sealed filing cabinets (and I don't even want to think about my 750+ CD's and sound system). The day after the fire I managed to pull a few large Tikis and a 500lb unvarnished cigar store Indian all of which were thoroughly washed with soap, water and lemon oil. They're at my house now and don't smell at all. The salvage and clean up crew will eventually remove and cleanse any large objects, wash all interior surfaces, apply a few coats of "Killz" and let us move back in to begin a slow rebuilding process. My thoughts are with you and I hope you can see through the soot to re-imagine your home and bar better that ever and never forget all the good times you had in your old bar PF (Pre-Fire). - HodadHank