Do You Have A House Fire Checklist?

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

A house fire can cause so many different emotions that can get you asking questions about what you need to do next. Who do you call? Where to begin? When is it safe to re-enter your home? With a proper house fire checklist, you can execute the right procedures that can help you mitigate the damage and get back on your feet within a shorter period of time.

Things Not to Do After a House Fire

• Do not enter your home until you have received permission from the local fire department that it is safe to do so.
• Do not turn on water, gas, or electric utilities until it has been deemed safe to do so by a professional.
• Do not move or start your vehicle if it has sustained any damage from the fire.
• Do not try to clean any soot or smoke damage on your own. Leave it to professionals who are equipped with the right safety equipment and expertise.

Things to Do After a House Fire

• Get permission from your local fire department before you re-enter your damaged property.
• Get in touch with your friends and family to inform them of the disaster.
• Attend to your frightened pets and provide them with the necessary support.
• Call all utility providers (water, gas, electric) to inform them of the disaster.
• Call your homeowners’ insurance company to submit a claim.
• Call SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District to discuss fire damage and restoration
• Understand and acknowledge the different terms of the fire report issued by your local fire department and keep a copy. This report is important for insurance claim purposes.
• Document all fire damage and jot down detailed notes along with photographs of the damage to your property.
• Retrieve your valuables before leaving the property.
• Contact your local police department to inform them that your home will be vacant for a temporary period. You also need to inform your children’s schools so their teachers will know that your children will not be attending school temporarily during this difficult time. You can also notify the post office to forward your mails or hold them temporarily.
• Start the process of replacing important documents that have been lost in the fire such as passports, licenses, birth certificates, and others.
• Take care of the emotional needs of every family member as a fire can inflict a tremendous amount of stress. If needed, schedule counseling sessions.
• For property damaged by wildfires, you may be eligible for Fire Management Assistance. Contact your local authorities to find out more.
• For disaster relief, there are several organizations that you can seek assistance from such as The Salvation Army or Red Cross depending on where you are located at.

A fire will also cause water damage as a result of firefighting efforts. Our cleaning and restoration specialists are highly-trained and fully-certified to offer efficient and reliable services. Reach out to our team today at SERVPRO of Lower Manhattan/Financial District to discuss the necessary services that you need to restore your fire damaged property.