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.
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
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 department 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
For the Complete 9-page What
to Do After The Fire PDF, Click Here
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