First Steps to Take After a Fire: Your Guide to Recovery

Ensure Safety

The safety of you, your family, and your pets is the most important thing after a fire. Ensure everyone is safe and make sure not to re-enter the property until it has been declared safe by emergency services. State Farm notes you should also let family and friends know you’re safe—reach out as soon as you can. Once your property is deemed safe to enter, wear protective clothing, including gloves and boots, as there may be broken glass or debris inside.

Document the Damage

Before any cleanup or restoration begins, take photographs or videos of the fire-damaged areas, including any of the possessions that have been affected. Any visual evidence you collect can support your insurance claim and aid in the assessment of the damage. It’s also a good idea to make a detailed list of all items damaged and their approximate value.

Secure the Property

If your home is structurally sound but has openings due to the fire, secure it by boarding up windows and doors to prevent unauthorized access and protect against further damage. If your home is not structurally sound, wait until experts deem it safe before starting any boarding-up process.

Work With a Reputable Restoration Provider

A professional restoration service can be extremely beneficial when it comes to determining what to salvage and what to toss, as well as how to restore belongings, including furniture and sentimental items, back to their pre-fire condition. How do you choose the best provider in your area? Consider the following:

• Comprehensive Services: When searching for the best fire restoration service provider, look for one that offers comprehensive services. They should offer a range of services, including post-fire cleanup, water damage removal, and general repair services, among others. Fires often cause a range of damages, and only a comprehensive approach can ensure that all aspects of the restoration are addressed.
• Quick Response Time: The best fire restoration services offer one-hour response times. This prompt response shows their dedication to their customers, and it means that your property will be restored as quickly as possible. A quick response time can also prevent additional damage from occurring.
• Insurance Assistance: Dealing with an insurance company during a disaster like a fire can be an arduous task. The best fire restoration service provider should offer to work with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure that the cleanup and restoration are authorized and covered. This not only saves time and hassle but ensures that you're getting the proper compensation for the damages.
• Credentials: Anyone doing work in your home should be licensed, bonded, and insured to ensure that you're dealing with a reliable and professional company. Credentials are proof of their skills, experience, and capabilities, and they're an excellent indication that you're dealing with a trustworthy provider.
  

Inform Utility Providers

Contact your utility companies (electricity, gas, water) to inform them of the fire and ensure that utilities are safely disconnected until the property is ready for their restoration. Do not attempt to turn on any utilities before an expert has confirmed it is safe to do so.

Evaluate Possessions

Go through your possessions and see what can be salvaged, what can be repaired, and what needs to be disposed of. Consult with your restoration provider for help and advice in this area. They will have expertise in restoring items that were affected by the fire. You should also communicate with them about when you can expect your home to be restored to its pre-fire condition.

Follow Safety Guidelines

During the cleanup process, make sure that you wear protective clothing, use appropriate cleaning products, and follow safety guidelines provided by the restoration provider.

Conclusion

Dealing with a fire in your home can be a traumatic experience, but understanding the first steps you should take can set you on a quick road to recovery. A fire may be devastating, but it doesn't have to be the end of everything; with patience and the right steps, you can rebuild and recover.

Source

• https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/residence/what-to-do-after-a-house-fire