Returning to Normal After the Fire

Written by Linda Kay | Sun, Aug 20, 2017

According to the National Fire Protection Association’s latest statistics in 2015, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States creating $14.3 billion dollars in property damage. With those stunning numbers, we thought we should offer you some tips on getting your life back to normal after a fire disaster.

Safety is a primary concern when dealing with fire damage.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification suggests that returning to normal be taken a step at a time. After calling the fire department, home and business owners should be aware that the building may be dangerous. Entering the building should be avoided since the environment could be toxic. No one should enter the house or office until the emergency responders approve that it is safe. Roofs and floors could be unsafe and could possibly cave in without notice. Smoke, soot and water are problems that need to be dealt with as soon as possible.

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Contact your insurance company right away. Ask what to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows and other openings. Ask your insurance company what to do first. Some companies may ask you to make a list of everything that was damaged by the fire. They will ask you to describe these items in detail and say how much you paid for them.

Checklist for Next Steps After a Fire

Here are some next steps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. This will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.
The fire department will tell you if your utilities (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If not, firefighters will have your utilities shut off before they leave. Do not try to turn them back on by yourself. This could be very dangerous. R Contact your landlord or mortgage company about the fire.
Try to find valuable documents and records. See the information in this brochure about how to get new copies if you need them.
If you leave your home, call the local police department to let the police know that the site will be vacant.
Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.

Dean and Draper

When you have questions about your Homeowner Insurance, we hope that you will contact us. We are here to provide you with solid answers to your questions, thoughtful suggestions, and excellent insurance choices.

Dean& Draper is a Trusted Choice insurance agency representing over 200 insurance companies. For over 35 years we have offered a trusted freedom of choice to our clients. ContactUs.

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. Dean & Draper Insurance Agency specifically disclaims any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with Dean & Draper Insurance Agency. By providing this information to you, Dean & Draper Insurance Agency does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

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