How to Know What to Do After a House Fire
The list of things that need attention after a house fire is overwhelming. The damage to everything not destroyed by the fire are all practical considerations that must be addressed immediately. Worst of all is the disruption of the lives of those whose home has been damaged or destroyed.
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Instructions
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Contact the insurance company immediately. Speak to an adjuster about how to proceed to secure the property, make repairs or rebuild. Alert the owner of a damaged rental property as soon as possible.
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Call a professional fire restoration service or a contractor who specializes in fire damage. Make sure the home is boarded up, that utilities are turned off, that a damaged roof is covered over and that the property is generally secure.
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Get permission to enter the home to remove valuables or personal belonging. Ask the Fire Marshall to assign an officer to help access the house to assure safety. Inventory anything removed from the house.
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Locate important documents in the home. Asses the damaged, if they must be replaced. Make a detailed inventory of damaged documents and recover what remains of them, if possible.
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Advise the police of uninhabitable property so the address can be patrolled regularly. Notify the post office and have mail held for pick-up. Contact banks, utility companies, credit card companies and the kids' schools.
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Find out what provisions are available for temporary housing, food and the replacement of clothing and personal items. Work with the insurance agent to arrange billing and payment of the cost of temporary housing and related charges.
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Ask the American Red Cross for assistance in the event of limited or no insurance coverage. Maintain detailed records of damage, loss of personal property, replacement and repair costs and related expenses for tax purposes.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure a neighbor has contact information (cell phone, the phone number of a friend or relative, the location of temporary housing, etc.)
Do not enter a home after a fire until the Fire Department investigation is complete and the Fire Marshall has given permission to access the property.
