Once the fire is put out, homeowners who have suffered a house fire are left with a big mess to clean up. No matter how large the fire was, it’s important to know what to do and what to avoid doing during this stressful time.
Your home likely has a significant amount of fire, smoke, and water damage, so hiring a professional fire damage restoration company is needed to prevent further damage.
Here are some things that homeowners should do immediately for house fire cleanup in Springfield Missouri as well as other things to avoid.
Contact the Insurance Company
As soon as possible, contact your homeowner’s insurance agency to let them know about your house fire so they can begin the claims process. They can send over any paperwork that needs to be filled out and provide advice for moving forward.
Take Lots of Photos
Take as many photos as possible of any losses or damages. Make sure it is safe to enter the home before taking photos or videos to avoid any potential injuries.
Fill Out the Insurance Forms
Fill out the insurance forms completely and carefully. Do not sign them until you’re confident that everything is correct. Attach copies of supporting documents to your paperwork when sending it to the insurance company.
Check Over Any Estimates
When receiving an estimate from the insurance company, be sure to check it and make sure it is sufficient. If it does not cover all of the damages, negotiations for a higher amount may be necessary.
Find Somewhere Safe to Stay
It is important to find somewhere safe to stay while your home is being restored. In some cases, temporary housing may be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Avoid Remaining in the Home
Even if the fire was minor, it might not be a good idea to stay at home. The home may no longer be stable. There may be contamination in the home. Or there could be other issues that make it unsafe.
Avoid Throwing Things Away
Don’t throw out anything until it has been inspected by a professional. It may be possible to restore a lot of the items that seem like a lost cause. Plus, if things are thrown out too early, they may not be included in your insurance claim.
Avoid Repairs or Replacements
Don’t start repairs or replacing items without the insurance company’s approval. Otherwise, it’s possible to end up paying for something twice or for the insurance company to deny certain payments.
Avoid Canceling Utilities
Don’t cancel your utilities if it’s safe to leave them on while your house is being restored. It may be necessary to use the utilities during the fire damage restoration process to make everything go smoother.
Don’t Give Up Hope
Do not give up hope while trying to deal with the house fire cleanup. Partnering with fire damage restoration experts that you can trust makes a big difference in repairing the damage and bouncing back from the disaster.
Dealing with house fire cleanup can be overwhelming, but expert help is available. If you ever need help with Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration after a house fire, call the professionals at PuroClean Certified Restoration to do the job right.