What happens after a house fire? Our homes are the one place we’re able to call our own—a place where we can find safety, privacy, and sanctuary in our everyday lives. So, it’s easy to feel like a large part of your life has been uprooted when a fire takes that away from us. Suddenly you have nowhere to go, and all your personal, cherished possessions are gone. Despite the despair you may feel, there is some hope. Here’s what to do after a house fire to start the fire damage restoration process.
Apply for a Fire Insurance Claim
Time is of the essence, so the first thing you want to do is apply for a fire insurance claim to help receive the funds to rebuild your life. How robust the insurance system is may depend on your location, as more fire-prone areas, like California, have a correspondingly more robust system in place than other states. Once you’ve contacted your insurance provider, you can schedule a home inspection to identify the extent of the damage. Three things you want to ensure you talk with your provider about include:
- Referrals for a fire restoration contractor.
- Claims release duration.
- The list of damages to your house.
Get Ahold of Professionals
Fire damage restoration services are lifesavers that can help you reclaim and restore your possessions after a fire. The quicker you are to contact restoration professionals, the more likely you can save your possessions before the fire and smoke damage becomes permanent or incredibly difficult to remove. Next, you’ll want to focus on rebuilding the structural aspects of your home—the parts that keep it standing. Once that is done, you won’t have to worry about your home’s remains collapsing further as you try to salvage and rebuild it.
Keep a Record of Everything
Lastly, as you take the first steps to restore your home and get rid of smoke odors, always remember to keep a diligent record of everything that goes into rebuilding your home. You’ll want as much evidence as possible to prove the extent of your home’s damage, and the best way to do that is to show off all the efforts you’re making to restore your home and possessions.