For many people, the idea of a fire ravaging a house is one of the most catastrophic and tragic things that can be imagined. The sound of smoke alarms not only tells you to immediately take your family outside your home but also indicates that things might be different for a while. This is a phase of your life where unexpected difficulties might 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 Home Fire
It’s normal to be overwhelmed by uncertainty, worry, sadness, and stress upon seeing your house burn down. However, many 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 should do after a home 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, call your family, relatives, or close 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 coverage can cover your daily and living expenses.
They may also offer to get in touch with disaster restoration services to fix any fire and smoke damage to make your place habitable.
2. Call a professional restoration company
When the fire gets extinguished, and you’re done speaking with your insurance agent, they’ll authorize you to contact a local property restoration company. They will examine your area, secure your house from burglaries or weather, and address urgent concerns like water damage. This is a vital step you should never delay doing. The sooner you call a remediation firm upon your insurance agent’s approval, the earlier the damage will be assessed and addressed.
They’ll start drying and pumping water to reduce mold infestations and water damage. Additionally, they’ll help improve your home’s ventilation and eliminate toxic substances and VOCs in the air. You may see this to learn more about their professional services.
Does your home have mold-infested rooms? Delaying its removal may trigger respiratory conditions and structural damage. Book an appointment with companies that offer mold removal in Daytona to attend to your situation.
3. Have a copy of the fire report
Fire reports are obtainable from the local fire department. Getting your own copy might be helpful in relaying information to your insurance company.
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, relatives, or friends isn’t an option. They can help you find a place where you can stay temporarily.
5. Talk to your family
This may seem obvious, but folks easily forget the basic things when faced with an overwhelming situation. If you were with your family or friends when the fire occurred, ensure they’re okay and uninjured. Depending upon the extent of the fire and the age of the people involved, it can be a traumatic experience, so remember to check in with the people with you.