A Simple Guide on What to Do After a House Fire
It happens so quickly. One minute you’re taking a shower or getting ready for work. The next, your bathroom is ablaze, and smoke is seeping into your bedroom. As you run from the flames, you are sure you’ll wake up from this nightmare. But when you open your front door and see the flames licking your porch, you know it’s real. When your home has been destroyed by a devastating house fire, how do you move forward? What steps do you need to take?
Keep reading to learn what to do after a house fire.
Call 911
The number 1 step in the aftermath of a house fire is to call 911. Firefighters will be dispatched and will be able to put out the fire and provide assistance.
Do not attempt to battle the fire yourself, as doing so can be hazardous. In addition, make sure to also evacuate everyone in the house to a safe distance and keep them there until the fire is fully extinguished.
If you are unable to evacuate on your own, inform the 911 dispatcher so they can alert the fire department ahead of time. Once the fire is out, secure the scene and do not re-enter the building until it is safe.
Co-operate with the firefighters and follow their directions to ensure everything is done safely.
Calm Yourself
After experiencing a house fire, it is important to take some time to calm yourself. Take a few deep breaths by inhaling and exhaling slowly. Focus on the present moment and acknowledge your emotions without judgment.
You may feel overwhelmed and anxious, but remind yourself that these feelings are natural and you will get through this. It may also help to engage in calming activities such as:
- yoga
- meditation
- journaling
Connect with supportive people and take comfort in knowing that help is available. In the days ahead, be kind to yourself and look for small things to appreciate. Your resilience will be tested, but with an optimistic outlook, you will make it through.
Call Your Insurance Provider
If you’ve recently experienced fire damages due to a house fire, the first step you should take is to call your insurance provider. They should be able to provide you with information on what to do next.
Make sure you keep accurate records of all communications. Make sure to keep any damaged items. This is because they may be required for an insurance claim. You’ll also need to notify your local fire department about the incident.
Additionally, you’ll need to adequately document any physical damage sustained to your home. Make sure you take pictures and keep a record of all damaged items. If possible, keep these items in a safe or secure location until you’ve spoken with an adjuster.
This way, you can ensure that you’re getting the best possible assistance to help you with everything from filing a claim to managing the debris from the fire.
Find Out What Are the Causes of Fires
House fire causes can range from faulty electrical wiring to careless behaviors such as leaving candles lit unattended or faulty appliances. To prevent house fires from occurring, it is important to inspect and maintain your home equipment regularly.
Make sure all the electrical outlets and appliances are in working order. Ensure that all the devices and outlets are up to code. Additionally, try to stay away from leaving lit candles unattended and be mindful of where you leave candles, as they can be a source of ignition.
Think About Your Pet’s Safety
After a house fire, the health and safety of pets should be a top priority. First and foremost, inspect your pet for any sign of injury or smoke inhalation, and contact a vet if necessary.
Additionally, ensure your pet is wearing a collar and tag clearly marked with up-to-date contact information in case they become lost. Keep in mind that even if your pet is not visibly injured, prolonged exposure to smoke can cause long-term damage.
Consider taking your pet to a safe location such as:
- a pet-friendly hotel
- a family member’s home
- an animal shelter
It’s also important to have an up-to-date list of medications your pet needs in case your pet has to stay separated for an extended period.
Finally, talk to your vet about any vaccines or medications your pet should update to prevent any illnesses or diseases associated with the fire.
Secure Your Belongings
The safety and security of your possessions must be a priority. Start by salvaging any valuable or irreplaceable items that you can. Take inventory of the following that you own:
- your furniture
- household items
- clothing
- items of value
Store your salvaged items in a safe place to protect them from further damage. Document any damage to items that you cannot salvage and save all receipts, invoices, and any other relevant documents.
Seek professional help, as needed, to assist in the recovery and destruction or repair of these items. Make sure to fulfill any financial obligations you may have related to the fire to ensure that you are not responsible for any additional losses.
Consider Contacting a Restoration Company
In the aftermath of a house fire, many homeowners may feel overwhelmed and uncertain of their next steps. One important step to consider is to contact a fire and smoke damage restoration company.
A reputable restoration company can provide professional assistance to help you begin the process of rebuilding and restoring your home. Restoration companies can:
- provide assessments of the damage
- remove fumes and smoke
- provide help for fire clean up
- helps with repairs and restoration
It is important to hire a qualified professional that knows the process and who can provide an accurate estimate of the cost and time needed for the repair work.
With their expertise and resources, a restoration company can help turn the hopelessness a house fire brings into a newfound sense of hope.
Best Tips on What to Do After a House Fire
Now that you know what to do after a house fire, it is important to take care of yourself, contact your insurance provider and make repairs quickly. With this simple guide, you have the information needed to get back on your feet.
Remember, after a house fire, there is still hope. Act now to put the pieces of your life back together.
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Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.
