Putting your life back in order after a traumatic event can be difficult. Rebuilding after a fire though, can be especially challenging. You’re not only coping with the emotional aftermath, but, you will also need to organize your salvageable possessions. Arranging temporary housing for your family until your home is livable again only compounds the issue. When you’re prepared for the destruction that a fire brings BEFORE it happens you can be better equipped for a disaster should it happen to your family.
- First and foremost make sure your family has a safe place to stay should a fire happen. You will need to have a place to sleep, clothes to wear and a place to bathe. If you take medications, wear eyeglasses, use prosthetics, or need any other essentials you should contact local charitable and emergency management organizations for assistance. If they cannot provide for you, they will most likely be able to point you in the right direction.
- Contact your family to let them know you’re in a safe place and where you can be contacted. A fire could be a big story for local news stations and leaving your loved ones to find out about it that way could cause unnecessary stress. You can also ask a friend to post a message on Facebook or other social networking sites to alert other friends and family that you are safe.
- Do not visit your property or the remains of your home until you get the all-clear from the fire department.
- Call your insurance agent to file a claim as soon as possible. You should do your best to leave the remains intact until the claims adjuster arrives. Do not sort through the rubble or begin any cleanup efforts until after the insurance adjuster has met with you and completed the list of personal effects that are missing or damaged. You should also give your adjuster your home inventory. If you do not have a home-inventory, there are several home-inventory apps you can download to your mobile phone. The home-inventory will then be backed up to a server where it is safe and can be accessed when needed. Complete a home-inventory before disaster strikes rather than scrambling after one has happened.
- Salvageable items can be removed after an adjuster has begun the claims process. Don’t assume that just because an item looks intact that it actually is. Find out how to properly clean and restore them so you’re sure they are safe to use.
- Let your post office know to forward or hold your mail until you are able to come back home. You should also consider having your utilities temporarily shut off since you’ll not be using them for some time.
For more details about how to safely handle yourself after a fire, you can visit the
U.S. Fire Administration website. Call us to discuss your
Houston home insurance options in the event of a fire to your home or business at
888-356-6448.
