Steps to Take After a Fire

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can be understandably overwhelming. Here are the first steps to take after a fire.

• Make sure the local fire department has given the okay to go inside the residence.
• Call your insurance company so they can start a claim and initiate paperwork. If you are a tenant contact your landlord.
• Call loved ones to let them know you are okay and inform anyone who wasn’t home what happened.
• Secure the residence to prevent theft by locking doors and covering windows or holes. If you need help, give us a call! We offer board up services to secure the property. 
• Get a copy of the fire report by contacting your local fire department.
• If the residence is uninhabitable, contact a friend or relative in the area to see if you can stay with them or the American Red Cross for assistance.
• Notify your employer, friends, family, post office, children’s schools, delivery services such as newspapers, utilities, telecom services and the police all of your current move.
• Consider the cleanup requirements. Does all of your contents need to be cleaned? Does every rooms need to be cleaned? Was the affected area contained to certain rooms in the home?
• Talk to your insurance company about what your policy covers before having a cleanup and restoration company come on site.
• If counseling is needed, especially for small children, don’t be afraid to seek help.