Below, we list our recommendations for what to do after a house fire:
Find somewhere to stay. Especially after a bad fire, most people cannot stay in their homes afterward. First, try to find a family member or close friend to stay with. If this isn’t possible, then contact your local disaster relief agency for guidance.
Contact your insurance agency and begin your claim. Try to do this as soon as possible after the fire, as many insurance policies have time limits on filing claims.
As much as possible, protect your home from further damage or unlawful entry.
If you have pets, take them for a checkup at the vet. Even if they seem fine at first, inhaling any amount of smoke can cause damage, and sometimes burns hide under the fur.
Ask for a copy of the fire report from the local fire department. In many cases, these are helpful for fire insurance claims.
Even if your home is completely destroyed, you are still responsible for mortgage payments. Address these finances and replace the credit or debit cards destroyed in the fire.
Recover possessions destroyed by the fire. Typically, insurance companies offer the value of your lost items in cash. Keep a home inventory to ensure that you receive full payment.
Contact a fire insurance claims lawyer. Coping with a disaster is hard enough. Let an attorney do all the heavy lifting while you and your family focus on your mental health and wellbeing.