Due to fire, you might have to deal with property loss, unexpected financial expenses, the mess generated on the property, and the loss of your valuable items. It’s enough to make you feel depressed as well as overwhelmed!
According to a statistical report released by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) there were 1,291,500 fire incidents in the USA in 2019 alone. Out of those incidents, around 354,500 fires were reported in residential properties. This gives you an idea of how widespread this problem is… Unfortunately, if you are ever in a situation where your home catches fire, then there are several things that you need to take care of in order to minimize the damage and restore the property.
Here are important steps to take in case of such an unfortunate incident…
#1 Calm Down And Ensure Your Family Is Safe
A fire situation is extremely stressful, but you need to calm down your mind so that you are able to make the right decisions. Being able to think calmly is quite essential. The first thing to do is to ensure that all family members and pets are out of the burning house and are safe. The safety of your family should be your topmost priority at the moment. Even if it is a small fire, evacuate the household. Ask everyone to stand at a safe distance. Window panes can get overheated and explode outwards and the acrid smoke coming from a burning house is also harmful if inhaled. Therefore, maintaining distance from the burning house is a must.
#2 Call For Firefighters And Medical Services
Usually, any vigilant neighbor would have called the fire department upon first noticing the fire. Emergency service responders are typically quick to respond. So as soon as they get a call reporting a fire, they will try and reach the location immediately. As the homeowner, you must keep them informed about the situation and the uncontrolled fire. Your information is essential. If the fire is not severe, the firefighters might be able to get the blaze under control quickly, and property damages can be minimized.
Medical services should be called as a precaution. If anyone in the family has suffered from minor burns or has developed issues due to smoke inhalation then they can be provided treatment on the spot. In many cases, elders may suffer from anxiety or might faint. In such cases, the medical personnel might take them to the nearest hospital for further treatment and keep them under observation.
#3 Inform Your Insurance Agent About The Situation
Most people have home or property insurance, and if any kind of damage happens to the property, the insurance company is ready to provide them with financial compensation. The first thing to do is file a claim with your insurance service provider at the earliest convenience. Provide all the details regarding the fire and the damage sustained. If possible, submit photographs and videos. A claims assessor will visit your property to verify the damage– kindly cooperate with them to ensure that the matter is resolved quickly.
You’ll need to obtain a fire report from the local fire department. This will contain all the key information about the property, the fire, and other relevant details. Finally, you will have to inform your bank and credit card company to provide you with a replacement of any financial documents and cards lost in the fire.
#4 You Need To Ensure Your Property Is Secured
This is an essential step that you need to follow even before the restoration process of the property starts. As soon as the fire has been contained and it is safe to enter the property, there is a threat of theft or further damage to the property due to other external factors. Hence, you need to reach out to professionals and ensure that your property is secured from further damage or intrusion.
#5 Find A Safe Place To Stay
Having a safe place for you/your family to stay until the fire restoration work is completed is necessary. Professionals will not let you enter the house until it is safe and all the damage has been cleaned up and your home has been repaired and restored. So, it is essential for you to stay safe at a location somewhat near your house such as a hotel.
Summary
After a fire, call a professional fire damage restoration company like Arko Restoration. If you have fire insurance, then it will be easy to pay for the restoration. If you don’t have insurance for the property, you would have to pay the fire damage restoration company on your own. Make sure you’re contacting professionals who have extensive experience in handling fire damage situations.