After a house fire, there’s a lot of fire clean up that needs to be done. There will likely be extensive fire, smoke, and water damage. It is recommended to call in the professionals for fire clean up in Springfield Missouri to protect your family and prevent causing further damage.
While you’re waiting for that process to begin, there are a few things you can do. And some you should avoid doing.
After a House Fire – Do This
There are a few things you can do immediately after your home has cleared by the fire department.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the fire and start the claim process with the insurance company. Provide as much information as possible to them, including a report from the local fire department if available. Attach any supporting documents, including contractor estimates or any receipts, but do not sign until all documents are attached.
Take Photos of the Fire Damage
Take as many photos as possible of the damage, especially if there are items that need to be removed and thrown away. This should be done as soon as possible after the house can be entered.
Find Somewhere to Stay
After the fire, you may need to find somewhere to stay until repairs are complete. Even if the fire was small, it may not be safe to stay inside the home. The insurance company may provide vouchers for a hotel stay or reimburse the payment with the settlement.
Check for Disaster Relief
A local disaster relief agency may be able to provide some financial assistance to your family after a house fire. There may be other types of assistance available in your community, so do some research and look into anything that is available in your area.
Avoid Doing This After a Fire
With the fire damage to your home, there are some things to avoid doing, including the following.
Don’t Stay in the Home
It may not be safe to stay in the home. There could be structural damage, damaged electrical wires, contamination, and more. Avoid entering the home until after speaking with the insurance company and receiving confirmation that it’s safe to go inside.
Don’t Start Tossing Belongings
Some items can be salvaged and restored, so don’t throw out anything until it has been inspected by a professional. A restoration company can help you save a lot that may otherwise need to be thrown out.
Don’t Start Fire Clean Up Repairs Immediately
Wait to receive authorization from the insurance company before beginning any fire clean up repairs. This will help you avoid paying for it twice or being denied compensation for any repairs paid out of pocket.
Don’t Cancel the Utilities
It’s better to keep the utilities operable, even if they need to be turned off temporarily by professionals while their repairs are being done. This helps prevent potential issues once the service is restored.
House fires can cause extensive damage, but taking the right steps after the fire is put out can help minimize losses and damages. If you ever need help with repairing fire and smoke damage after a house fire, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration. They will make sure your fire clean up job is done right.