For many people, the thought of a fire wrecking a home is one of the most catastrophic and tragic things that can be imagined. The sound of smoke detectors not only tells you to immediately take your family outside your home but also indicates that things might be different for a while. This is a phase of your life where unforeseen challenges might come at you, but we’re here to help you weather this challenging stage of your life.
Let’s discuss the first steps you should take after dealing with a house fire.
Steps to Take After a Home Fire
It’s normal to be overwhelmed by worry, uncertainty, stress, and sadness upon seeing your house burn down. However, several things are waiting to be done, and you can’t let these emotions get the best of you. So we have enumerated the five first things you must do after a house fire to help you know how to restore your property and get things back to normal in the soonest possible time.
1. Make necessary phone calls
First, call your family, loved ones, or close friends who might be concerned about your safety and let them know if you’re safe or unharmed. Next, call your insurance agent. Start a claim and address all your urgent needs. The “loss of use funds” from the insurance coverage can cover your daily and living expenses.
They might also connect you with fire restoration services to deal with fire and smoke damage to make your place habitable again.
2. Call a professional remediation company
When the fire gets snuffed out, and you’re done speaking with your insurance agent, they’ll authorize you to call a local property restoration firm. They will inspect your area, secure your house from break-ins or weather, and address immediate concerns like water damage. This is an important step you must never delay doing. The sooner you call a remediation company upon your insurance agent’s approval, the quicker the damage will be examined and addressed.
Remediation companies will dry and pump water to reduce mold infestations and water damage. In addition, they’ll help improve your home’s ventilation and remove poisonous substances and VOCs in the air.
Does your home have mold-infested rooms? Postponing its removal might trigger respiratory conditions and structural damage. Have mold cleanup experts come over to attend to your situation.
3. Have a copy of the fire report
Fire reports are available from the local fire department. Getting your own copy can be helpful in relaying information to your insurance company.
4. Find a temporary place to stay
No matter the severity of the fire damage, you likely can’t stay in your home in the meantime. Contact the closest local disaster relief agency if staying over with family, relatives, or friends isn’t an option. They can help you get a place where you can stay temporarily.
5. Check with your family
This may seem obvious, but folks easily forget the most basic things when faced with an overwhelming situation. If you were with your family or friends when the fire occurred, ensure they’re alright and unharmed. Depending on the extent of the fire and the age of the individuals involved, it can be a traumatic experience, so remember to check in with the people with you.