5 Ways to Respond After a Fire
For many people, the idea of a fire wrecking a house 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 may come at you, but we’re here to help you weather this overwhelming stage of your life.
Let’s discuss the first steps you should take after dealing with a house fire.
Steps to Take After a House Fire
It’s natural to be overwhelmed by worry, uncertainty, sadness, and stress upon seeing your house burn down. However, many things are waiting to be done, and you can’t let these emotions get the best of you. So we have compiled five first things you must do after a home 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, contact your household, loved ones, or 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 policy can cover your daily and living expenses.
They may also offer you to connect with a remediation company like PuroClean of Ormond Beach to deal with fire and smoke damage to make your place habitable again.
2. Call a professional remediation company
When the fire gets extinguished and you’re done speaking to your insurance agent, they’ll authorize you to contact a local property restoration company. They will examine your area, protect your house from burglaries or weather, and address immediate concerns like water damage. This is a vital step you must never delay doing.
The sooner you call restoration contractors upon your insurance agent’s permission, the earlier the damage will be examined and addressed. They’ll start pumping water and drying to reduce mold infestations and water damage. Moreover, they’ll help improve your home’s airflow and remove toxins and VOCs in the air.
Does your home have mold-infested rooms? Delaying its removal may trigger structural damage and respiratory conditions. Have mold cleanup experts come over to attend to your situation. If you’re looking for mold remediation companies, you may browse the web for “mold specialist near me” for accurate results.
3. Have a copy of the fire report
Fire reports are obtainable from the local fire department. Getting your own copy might be helpful in relaying information to your insurance provider.
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 nearest local disaster relief agency if staying over with family, loved ones, 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 quickly forget the basic things when faced with an overwhelming situation. If you were with your friend or family when the fire occurred, ensure they’re okay and uninjured. 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.