What To Do After a Home Fire

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire you should create an inventory of damaged items for your insurance company

What to Do After a Fire

The thought of a fire in your Indialantic, FL, home is a scary prospect, and the fire restoration process afterward can seem overwhelming. However, knowing beforehand what you will need to do after a fire can give you peace of mind and help minimize damage if you are ever the victim of a fire.

1. Before a Fire

Before a fire, it is important to make sure you have adequate fire insurance coverage. You can do this by creating a home inventory. This is basically a list of all your possessions and how much they are worth, so you know how much insurance coverage you need. Including receipts and photographs in your inventory will streamline the claim-filing process later.

2. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe

After a fire, your first priority will be to make sure you, your family and pets are safe. Do not re-enter your home until the fire department has said it is OK to do so. Keep children and pets away from fire damage.

3. Call Your Insurance Company

You will want to notify your insurance company immediately, so they can get to your claim as soon as possible. Generally, an insurance adjuster will be dispatched to your property fairly quickly.

4. Document the Damage

Before beginning the fire restoration process, be sure to document all the damage. You can take either photographs or video, but make sure you capture enough detail for the insurance company to determine the extent of the damage.

5. Prevent Further Damage

It is important to understand that damage can occur even after the fire has been extinguished. You may need to board up parts of your home to keep it secure. Additionally, smoke can be corrosive, so it is important to begin smoke cleaning as soon as possible.
A home fire is a frightening experience, but it is possible to rebuild your life afterword. Hiring experienced professionals to help with fire restoration can help make the process even easier.