After a fire, a homeowner should take the following steps to protect their property:
1. Ensure Safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of your family members. If necessary, evacuate the property and seek medical attention if anyone is injured.
2. Contact Experienced Public Adjusters and hire a public adjuster. Then, contact the Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company immediately to start the claims process. Provide them with all relevant details about the fire, including the extent of damage and any injuries.
3. Secure the Property: If safe to enter, lock up the property to prevent unauthorized access. If the house is not habitable, consider boarding up windows and doors to prevent further damage or theft.
4. Document Damage: Take detailed photographs and videos of the property, focusing on the affected areas. This will be important for insurance claims and potential legal matters.
5. Consult with Professionals: Contact a reputable fire restoration company to assess the damage and provide a restoration plan. They will help clean up, salvage belongings, and repair or rebuild the property.
6. Address Immediate Concerns: Contact your utility companies to shut off gas, water, and electricity until it is safe to restore them. Inform the post office, banks, and other necessary institutions about the fire to redirect mail and address any financial concerns.
7. Dispose of Damaged Items: Dispose of items that cannot be salvaged due to fire or water damage. Check with your insurance company on the correct process for disposing of damaged possessions.
8. Prevent Further Damage: Take steps to mitigate further damage, such as covering exposed areas with tarpaulin, drying out the property, or removing water-damaged materials. Consult professionals to advise you on the best course of action.
9. Temporary Accommodations: This is usually Coverage D in your homeowners policy. If your home is uninhabitable, arrange for temporary accommodation and inform friends, family, and your insurance company about your current living situation.
10. Review Insurance Policy: Review your insurance policy to understand coverage for fire damage, temporary living expenses, and restoration costs. Keep all documentation related to the incident organized for insurance claims.
Remember to consult with local authorities, fire departments, public insurance adjusters, and other professionals specializing in fire restoration for specific advice tailored to your situation and location. Always, hire a public adjuster first for a free insurance claim evaluation. If you have fire and smoke damage it would be wise to evaluate filing an insurance claim.
Hire an Experienced Public Adjuster today!