A house fire can be devastating. Even if you, your family and your pets manage to escape unharmed, the loss of precious mementos and possibly even your home itself can feel overwhelming.
Any one of us could be the victim of a fire. Would you know what to do if you experienced a fire? Piecing your life back together might seem insurmountable, but there are things you can do to help restore a sense of normalcy.
File an insurance claim right away. Contact us as soon as possible so you can begin cleaning up, restoring and repairing your damaged home. You may also need to find a new place to live. Some insurance companies provide loss-of-use coverage, which pays additional living expenses for things like dining out instead of cooking at home.
Find a temporary home. Staying with family members is often a first choice for those devastated by fire, especially because it provides a familiar place for you and your loved ones. If staying with family is not an option, hotels are a substitute. The Salvation Army or American Red Cross may also provide temporary shelter, sometimes for free.
Make a list of items destroyed in the fire. If you don’t already have an inventory of your home's contents, make a list of items that were lost or damaged to support your insurance claim. Online banking or credit card statements may help provide proof of purchases and costs. Also, create a list of important documents that were destroyed in the fire. Birth certificates, passports and medical records all need to be replaced immediately.
Rent a storage unit. There may be salvageable items left after a fire. If so, rent a storage unit to house these items while you search for a new place to live. Consider professionally cleaning items if they were contaminated with fire extinguisher chemicals. Throw out any items that aren't salvageable, including nonperishable foods, cosmetics, medicines and electrical equipment.
Board up your home and notify the police. Board your windows and doors to discourage anyone from entering. Make sure the local police department is aware that your home is empty and you’ve relocated. They can look out for potential theft.
Stay on top of financial responsibilities. Remember, your bills still have to be paid, regardless of your fire loss. Also, cancel cable, landline and internet services if you know you’ll be out of your home for a while. You’ll likely need to purchase everyday items, so keep receipts to get reimbursed quickly.
Once you get past the initial shock of a devastating fire, reclaiming normalcy is possible. Being prepared will ease your anxiety and help you move forward.
Ask us to review your homeowners policy to see whether you have enough coverage, and what exclusions may apply.