A house fire is a life-threatening disaster that happens unexpectedly! There are so many devastating aftermaths that moving on seems impossible. But it doesn’t have to. If you know where to start and who should you reach beforehand, it can help put your life back on track.
Below are five important things you should do immediately after a house fire:
Call Emergency Services
Though it seems like a no brainer, calling emergency services is a thing worth mentioning. They are the first responders who prioritize the safety of the insiders and getting everyone out of danger.
After rescuing the occupants, they concentrate on saving the structure of the building. As they work to douse the fire flames, it may cause additional damage, such as water damage, structural damage (opening the walls, ceilings, windows, etc.), fire retardant chemicals, etc.
Therefore, it’s crucial to call an emergency fire and water restoration with years of experience. They provide professional services, such as mold remediation, preventing sogginess or saturation from setting in, restoring the damaged interior furnishing, etc.
Call The Insurance Agent
Don’t think that someone is going to contact your insurance company. Once you have moved your family to a safer place, it’s another important thing you shouldn’t forget at any cost. The sooner you tell your insurance agent about the situation, the better it is.
Depending upon the nature of fire and the extent of damage, it may be possible to mitigate some damage once the fire department gives a green light. Your insurance agent will authorize the restoration company to start the restoration process earlier; thus, you may be able to save some of your valuable possessions.
Besides, the insurance agent will help you file a claim, replace your belongings, or restore the property. Moreover, before the restoration process begins, they help you address the need for minimizing fire and water damage.
Find A Safe Place To Stay
If your property has excessively damaged by fire, some renovation is likely required. However, don’t think of spending more on renovating the home. You may be already facing financial issues and distress after the fire damage.
Just ask the restoration professionals to make it safe to live in. You can consider home improvement and remodeling later after attaining some stability in your financial condition. Until then, it is wise to look for a safe shelter for a specified period.
Ask The Restoration Company About The True Dangers
The most dangerous aftermaths of the fire are found long after the flames and smoke has dissipated. The burned materials release toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are hazardous for health. Even if the fire department says you can enter the property, the chemicals are still present!
Thus, it’s better to talk to the professional fire damage restoration company about the hidden damage. Unless and until the restoration professionals say that it’s safe to reoccupy the place, don’t try to enter the structure.
Furthermore, when you visit your property to inspect the restoration work, make sure to wear protective clothing, masks, gloves, breathing filters, etc.
Even if your home is partially damaged, use safety precautions and remove the things that aren’t affected. However, it’s essential to clean the item before you use it.
Keep A Record Of Everything In A Notebook
While undergoing the fire damage process, there are so many things to keep track of! Keeping a binder or notebook handy to keep all the information in one place is a good idea.
Record the conversations you had with your insurance company. It will help you remember things and resolve any misunderstandings. Though it feels overwhelming to make a list of everything you lost, it is important.
It will help you when the insurance company asks about the estimate of the item and the amount you paid. If some of the receipts have not been damaged, keep them handy too. They will help settle the claim.
Conclusion
No one wants to experience such disastrous times. When going through such tragedies, you may have the moments where you don’t know what to do. However, take a deep breath, and remember this too shall pass. Keeping the things mentioned above in mind will help you get your back life to normal.
