Fire Safety and Prevention

What to do after a fire

Fire Damage Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. Action on some of these suggestions will need to be taken immediately.

Some actions may be needed in the future while others will be on going. The purpose of this information is to give you the assistance needed to begin rebuilding your life.

The First 24 hours

Securing Yourself and The Site.

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, to help with your immediate needs, such as:
- temporary housing
- food
- medicine
- eyeglasses
- clothing
- other essential items
Contact your insurance agent/company.

Fire Damage

Cautions

Do not enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains.
Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to turn on utilities yourself.
Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may be damaged and subject to collapse.
Food, beverages and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed.

Leaving Your Home

Contact your local police departments to let them know the site will be unoccupied.
In some cases it may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers.
Beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company what money you have spent related to your fire loss and also for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.
If it is safe to do so, try to locate the following items:
- identification, such as driver's licenses and Social
  Security cards
- insurance information
- medication information
- eyeglasses, hearing aids or other prosthetic devices
- valuables, such as credit cards, bank books, cash and jewelry
There are many people/entities that should be notified of your
relocation, including:
- your insurance agent/company
- your mortgage company (also inform them of the fire)
- your family and friends
- your employer
- your child's school
- your post office
- any delivery services
- your fire and police departments
- your utility companies
Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is
made. All damages are taken into consideration in developing your
insurance claim.
If you are considering contracting for inventory or repair services
discuss your plans with your insurance agent/company first.

If You Are Insured

Give immediate notice of the loss to the insurance company or
the insurer's agent/company.
Ask the insurance company what to do about the immediate
needs of the dwelling, such as covering doors, windows, and other
exposed areas, and pumping out water.
Ask your insurance agent/company what actions are
required of you. Some policyholders may be required to make
an inventory of damaged personal property showing in detail the
quantity, description and how much you paid for the items.

If You Are Not Insured

Your recovery from a fire loss may be based upon your own
resources and help from your community.
Private organizations that may be sources of aid or information:
- American Red Cross
- Salvation Army
- religious organizations
- department of social services
- civic organizations
- state or municipal emergency services office
- non-profit crisis counseling centers