What To Do After a House Fire?

Follow Directions from the Fire Investigators

After the fire at your house is extinguished, a fire inspector will conduct a fire inspection of the property to examine the home and determine where the fire ignited and how it started. The outcome of the fire inspector’s investigation is critical because it can impact the next steps you will need to take. For example, suppose the investigator concludes the fire may have been intentionally caused. In that case, it might take much longer to complete the process of restoring your home and your daily life at your property back to normal.

Report the Fire to Your Homeowners Insurance Company

After the fire inspector’s investigation is concluded, the first step you will need to take to get your home restored to its normal condition is to inform your home insurance company of the situation. Be sure you have the police or fire department case number to give your insurance representative when you report the house fire.

Your insurance company claims representative will need to approve any fire damage remediation needed to restore your home before any repair and/or replacement work begins. You should contact your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible after the fire department’s inspection is complete to get the fire restoration process underway as soon as possible.

You’ll also need to stay in communication with your insurance claims department and work with them until their inspection is completed and all insured restoration work is fully funded.

Expecting Water Damage from Fighting the Fire

When you enter your home after a fire, you should expect to find water damage in addition to fire damage. This is a surprise to many homeowners after a fire because it doesn’t occur to them that water damage from fighting the fire will probably be extensive. Water damage cleanup will be necessary, along with the fire damage cleanup.

Walls and furniture are likely to be fire and water damaged, and mold damage in many areas is to be expected. Be prepared in advance for what you will find when you enter your home to help you process the situation and approach the fire restoration process as efficiently as possible.

Have an Assessment By a Fire Restoration Service

The next major step you’ll need to take is to identify the right fire restoration company to bring your home back to its pre-fire condition. Look for a full-scope fire, water, and mold restoration company that can offer the comprehensive combination of specialized services you need. A full-service disaster restoration company provides all the services you will need, from replacing broken windows, to roof replacements to structural drying, rewiring, rebuilding, refinishing, and more.

Secure the premises and possibly protect the remaining property from weather elements and prevent unwanted access that could result in injury or further property damage. Your fire restoration company can cover the roof and window openings with plywood, heavy tarps, and other protective materials. This can help prevent additional damage while restoring your home to its pre-fire condition.