5 Things You Should Do Following a Fire
For many people, the thought of a fire ravaging a house is one of the most devastating and tragic things that can be imagined. The sound of smoke detectors not only tells you to immediately take your family outside your house but also indicates that things might be different for a while. This is a phase of your life where unexpected 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 must take after dealing with a home fire.
Steps to Take After a House Fire
It’s normal to be overwhelmed by worry, uncertainty, stress, and sadness upon seeing your house burn down. However, several things are waiting to be done, and you can’t let these emotions get the best of you. So we have detailed five first things you must do after a house 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 family, 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 immediate needs. The “loss of use funds” from the insurance policy can cover your daily and living expenses.
They might also offer you to connect with a company specializing in smoke damage restoration in Palm Coast to address any fire and smoke damage to make your place habitable again.
2. Call a professional remediation company
Once the fire gets snuffed out and you’re done talking with your insurance agent, they’ll authorize you to call a local property restoration company. They will examine your area, secure your home from burglaries or weather, and address urgent concerns like water damage. This is an important step you should never delay doing.
The earlier you call a remediation firm like PuroClean of Ormond Beach upon your insurance agent’s approval, the sooner the damage will be examined and addressed. They’ll start drying and pumping water to reduce mold infestations and water damage. In addition, they’ll help improve your home’s ventilation and remove toxic substances and VOCs in the air.
Does your home have mold-infested rooms? Delaying its removal might trigger respiratory conditions and structural damage. Hire professionals that offer mold remediation in Daytona Beach, FL, to attend to your situation immediately.
3. Have a copy of the fire report
Fire reports are available 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 nearby 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 might look obvious, but folks easily forget the most basic things when faced with an overwhelming situation. If you were with your family or friends when the fire happened, ensure they’re alright and unharmed. Depending upon the extent of the fire and the age of individuals involved, it can be a traumatic experience, so remember to check in with the people with you.