What to do After A House Fire

House fires are stressful and disheartening experiences for homeowners. Because of house fires' emotional hardships, it can be difficult to know what you should do next.

Having a plan in mind will help you return your home to a safe and comfortable state as soon as possible. Here are a few steps you can take after experiencing a house fire.

Relocate to a Safe Place

After a house fire, it's likely that you and your family won't be able to stay in your home for a while. From smoke that can damage your lungs to diminished security, there are several ways a fire-damaged home can be dangerous to your safety.

Arrange a place where you and your family can stay while professional contractors restore your home. A few options for places you can stay include a hotel or a family member's house. This will provide you with the safety and space necessary to complete the next steps of restoring your home.

Document the Damage

Take time to photograph and document any items damaged or lost in the fire. You should compile a thorough list of all damage to present to your insurance company.

We always recommend that you have a way to secure them because they could be the only proof you have of the purchase of a valuable item or storage for:

●        Marriage certificates

●        Identification cards

●        Vehicle titles

●        Passports

●        Prescriptions

●        Legal agreements

Fireproof storage boxes are the best way to ensure they aren't lost in a fire. If you don't already have one, invest in one now so you have proof of your claim to increase your chances of receiving the insurance assistance you need to fully restore your home and belongings.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Your insurance will play a key role in restoring your home to its original state. After establishing your family's safety and compiling a list of the damage, meet with your insurance company to arrange what part of your restoration service your plan will cover.

Because insurance policies can be confusing, consider working with a restoration company that provides insurance assistance. Insurance experts will take the time to understand your specific restoration needs and how your insurance plan should help you take on those upcoming projects.

Know Your Policy

We always recommend knowing what is in your policy to understand your coverage. The decorations page will list the losses they cover so you can be better prepared and avoid unexpected expenditures.

Don't Wait to File

Don't put off filing the claim; make sure you contact your agent immediately because there are some scenarios where there's a time limit on how long you have to open the claim.

Hold Off on Throwing Out Valuable Items

After a fire, it may be tempting to throw out any damaged items. However, we always recommend you wait. The insurance adjuster may need to assess them to know what the damage was and policy coverages, and if they are unable to see the items in question, this can lower the chances of full replacement.

Protect Your Home With Boards & Tarps

As you wait for your home to be restored, you'll need to keep it protected from weather conditions, pests, and unwanted passersby. Schedule a professional board-up and tarping service to keep your home secure while the restoration team works on bringing it back to life.

Clean Your Valuable Possessions

Not all hope is lost when it comes to your personal belongings! With a professional contents cleaning service, you'll be able to recover a noteworthy amount of valuable pieces such as furniture, heirlooms, appliances, and electronics.

Our team understands the potential external and internal restoration services that need to be completed, and we will help you from start to finish. Once the fire is over, there are still risks from soot and smoke damage that can cause health issues, and if the home is soaked with water, this leads to other areas of concern like mold and mildew. Our team offers 24/7 emergency services, and we have the equipment and tools for an expert finish.

Our experienced and certified restoration specialists will work diligently to return your favorite possessions to a recognizable and operating state. Take the time to schedule a contents cleaning service with a restoration company you can trust.

Get a Report of the Fire

Your fire department will typically have the fire report; this document will include the weather conditions when the fire occurred, wind speed, direction, and temperature. They also described the firefighter's response, including the equipment used and when they arrived, all of this can be crucial for the insurance provider.

Keep Thorough Records

Keep detailed records of the process from the start through the restoration. Keep all receipts secure, and it is recommended to have a binder dedicated to the event to help stay organized.

Contact Restoration Network for Fire Damage Solutions

From insurance assistance to fire damage rebuilding, Restoration Network knows what it takes to bring a home back to life after a recent house fire.

We'll work with you to ensure every damaged area of your home is addressed and repaired. Our team is available 24/7, so you can always count on us to be ready in case of an emergency.

To work with our five-star restoration contractors, contact Restoration Network today at 612-564-0202. We look forward to working with you!