A fire in your home or business is a very traumatic event, especially if it involves a large portion of your building. There is so much to do after a fire, especially a large one. But, it is essential to have a professional quickly start dealing with the problem.
However, there are some things property owners should do as well. We will explain some of these steps below.
Call the Police
Since your building is going to be empty while it is being cleaned and repaired, it is a tempting target for looters and curious children. So, you should contact the police and let them know about the fire so they can try to keep an eye on your property.
Contact Your Insurance Agent
The sooner you contact your agent and start a claim, the better. You’re sure to have a lot of sudden expenses, and your insurance agent may be able to get you some money quickly for loss of use. Your agent may also give you an idea of how much money you will be getting to help pay for repairs.
Make a List of Damaged Items
You will need a list of all the damaged items you intend to include in your insurance claim. Before entering your home or business to check for damaged items, make sure the fire department has deemed it safe to enter.
Next, photograph and list all damaged items. It would help if you have any receipts or serial numbers for your items; however, some or all of this information may have been destroyed in the fire.
You may find you have some of this information saved in your email if you were emailed copies of your receipts. Bank statements may be of help as well.
Address Your Finances
Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, you’ll need to plan your finances. You still have bills to pay. Yet, your business may be temporarily closed, or you may be needing to pay for another place to stay. This makes it essential to look at your costs and consider what you can cut out if necessary or make special payment arrangements for any bills you cannot pay.
Remove Salvageable Items
It’s a good idea to remove any undamaged items from your home or business once it is safe to enter the building. If you leave them in the building, they may be stolen or get in the way of repairs. The items will probably need to be cleaned, but there are professional services that handle this type of cleaning.
Reapply for Lost Documents
It is possible that some important documents were lost in the fire. If this is the case, it is best to start obtaining new ones as soon as possible. Some documents such as birth certificates and social security cards may be useful or even necessary in the fire recovery process.
In Summary
Fires are likely the most devastating event your property can face, but by forming a plan for how you will respond, you can make the process seem less overwhelming. If your home or business hasn’t suffered a fire yet, then it is a great idea to start planning now to make your life a little easier if the worst occurs.
Contact Us
RestorePro has the knowledge and experience to safely perform your fire restoration. We will explain the whole process to you and keep you up to date as we work. Your home or business will be returned to its pre-loss condition. Contact us today at 1-800-847-0411. You can also connect with us on Facebook.
