We hope you never experience a fire in your home. But everyone should know what to do in the event of this type of emergency. Obviously, your first steps are to get yourself and all family members out of the area of danger and to call 911. Then, remember these three steps to take once you’re safe and the fire is extinguished.
Follow the instructions issued by authorities. Sometimes a home can appear safe to enter, but it’s structurally unsound or some other danger is present. Don’t enter the home again until the fire department authorities tell you that it’s okay to do so.
Call your homeowners insurance representative. An adjuster will be assigned to you, to assist you with the steps you need to take in order to file a claim. Follow their instructions to the letter. If you’re unable to enter the home, ask about coverage for temporary lodging. Inquire about restoration services such as cleaning for smoke damage and water damage.
Collect your proof of covered contents. Your homeowners insurance policy probably offers coverage for damaged and destroyed personal items (contents) in your home. But you might need to provide proof of some expensive items, such as receipts, pictures, or credit card statements. If you didn’t specifically take pictures of certain belongings, look through your pictures on social media; they might be featured in the background of photos.
Call us. A fire can damage your home in numerous ways, and you might need a variety of restoration services such as:
- Removal of smoke odor and air purification
- Cleaning of soot from within your home and on your belongings
- Removal of water and water damage restoration
- Mold and mildew treatments
- Property damage assessments
We can work with almost any insurance company and we have the experience to handle any loss or damage. We can also refer you to other services, as needed, such as contractors to rebuild destroyed structures. While it might be tempting to attempt cleaning and restoration on your own, remember that this professional service is often available through your homeowners insurance. Let us handle these difficult and sometimes dangerous tasks, so that you can focus on recovering from your ordeal.