Fire Damage

MAIN THINGS TO DOIMMEDIATELY AFTER

INTRODUCTIONFire damage and smoke damage can leave a home or any space and its occupants feeling pretty

hopeless and depressed. Though fire accidents are unfortunate, one will need to think positively

and begin rebuilding their home in the quickest way possible to move on with their life. If you

happened to experience a fire accident or fire damage, the Insurance claiming and restoration

process will be the best course of action. After this life-changing event, there are at least seven

key things you should know and do after the fire damage.

1. DON'T ENTERAsk authorities when it's the right time to enter your

home. They know when it's safe and the flames have

been completely extinguished. They'll thoroughly

check out your property and set up a safety zone.

2. CONSIDER ALL POSSIBILITIESThe professionals will also be able to establish the

intensity of the situation. If the destruction is too severe,

you may not be allowed to reenter at all.

3. CALL FOR SUPPORTCall any immediate family members who may have not

been home at the time. Tell them what happened and that

you're okay.

Call your insurance company immediately to start the claimprocess. They also may be able to help you obtain emergencylodging and funds. Make sure you save all receipts to file with yourclaim. They can also direct you to clean-up companies. If you wererenting, be sure to call your landlord. They may need you to calltheir insurance company as well to give a report. You can also calllocal help groups such as your church or the American Red Cross.Don't be afraid to ask for their help.

4. THE FIRE REPORTThe fire department will take a report, which will havedetails such as the home structure, time and date of theincident, and the destruction locations. This helps them tofind out the specifics of how they helped and what resourceswere available. Get a copy of this report from them.

5. SECURE THE PROPERTYTo prevent looting, it's important to secure your property.Your insurance company will most likely suggest thisaction be done, and you can check with your local policedepartment to find how the best way to do it.

6. CLEAN-UP NEEDSFire damage often extends beyond what the human eye cansee. Your insurance company or Fire damage public adjustersagent will be able to suggest an assessment agency to helpyou with this issue. If your home has suffered extensivedestruction, it's best to call professional removers.

7. SMOKE AND SOOTCleaning smoke and soot can be bigger than you think.They can leave a film on walls and everywhere. Specialchemical cleaners containing trisodium phosphate aregreat for soot and smoke. A professional vacuum cleanerwill help remove extinguisher residue.