The Steps Home Owners Should Follow After A Fire Strikes

No one ever wants to think that a home fire could completely destroy their life as they know it. Tragically, thousands of people experience this tragedy once in their lifetime. A devastating fire can emotionally and mentally drain victims. Due to exhaustion and shock, it can be difficult for people to even know what to do and where to start as they attempt to recover all they have lost. Here are a few hints to help people get started after a devastating home fire.

First things first. What should you do in the first 24 hours after a home fire? Foremost, you will need to ensure your most basic of needs are met. These needs include: shelter, clothing and food. Next, contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army for other essential items, such as medication, eyeglasses, and other basic toiletries (toothbrushes and paste, hairbrushes or combs...etc.).

Next, contact your personal insurance agent or company, and inform them of your situation. Also, find out through your local fire department when you are allowed back at the site. When you go, remember to exercise caution; nails, fragile floors, and broken glass are hazards often found at the site of a fire. When you go to there, search for items such as: identification cards (drivers license, social security), any insurance information, medical information, and family valuables or heirlooms.

When purchasing basic needs items after a fire, remember to save all of your receipts. Later, you will have documentation for your insurance agent in addition to the verification of losses claimed on your income tax report.

Finally, there are several different entities that you will need to contact when you relocate, whether it is only temporary or not. If you plan on hopping from one place to the next, it is often easiest to get a box at the post office. Remember to notify your insurance company, mortgage company (also inform them of the fire), your employer, family and friends, your kids’ schools, any delivery service, the post office, the utility companies, cell phone company, and your police and fire departments of your new address.

After a fire, you will most likely want to salvage and restore as much of your property (kitchen appliances, electrical objects, clothes, kitchen utensils, rugs and carpet, books, etc) as is possible. Sometimes it is best to hire a professional restorative service; otherwise, it is possible to do it all yourself, especially if you have plenty of help from friends.

Losing your home to a fire is a devastating ordeal, and there is no way the emotion could be accurately described in words. However, it is always good to be aware of the processes after a fire, in case it should happen to you, a relative or close friend. Remember, the best defense is being prepared. Practice fire safety tips in your home, and always be cautious when cooking, burning a fire in your fireplace, or simply lighting a candle…it could save your home! Always keep your essential fire safety equipment handy to keep your home and family protected.