A fire can cause irreparable damage to your home and to your life. It is our hope that you never have to deal with this kind of tragedy. However, if you are faced with a loss of this magnitude, AllCity Adjusting is here for you. We have provided you with a “what to do if your home burns down” checklist that you can print out and keep for reference. No one should ever have to go through this process, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Let AllCity Adjusting give you a little peace of mind. We are here for you.
Undoubtedly, there is a long list of tasks that you will need to accomplish just for insurance purposes when you have a house fire. In this blog we want to provide you with an immediate “what to do” so you are not confused and lost if you have to face such a tragedy. After we talk about what to do if your home burns down, we will discuss the main causes of house fires and how to prevent them.
Step-by-Step: If Your Home Burns Down
FIND A PLACE TO STAY.
Your home is probably inhabitable. The major damage may have been caused by the fire itself or by the water used to extinguish the fire. Regardless, you will need to find somewhere to stay until your home is repaired and restored. Fortunately, your homeowners insurance policy likely covers you for temporary housing. Remember to keep all receipts for any costs that you incur stemming from your loss. You can call your local disaster relief agency if your policy does not cover temporary housing. The American Red Cross or Salvation Army can help find you a place to stay.
CALL YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER.
Filing your insurance claim is vital. Unfortunately, the road to recovery is long and tolling. However, you must not put this off. Getting your claim filed can help provide you with the immediate needs you will have such as living expenses and other day-to-day needs.
HIRE A PROFESSIONAL BOARD UP/MITIGATION CONTRACTOR.
Weather and unlawful entry can cause further damage to your property. For this reason it is important to hire professionals to protect your home while it is unoccupied.
ADDRESS FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS.
It is time to figure out your finances. Unfortunately, through all the trauma you are still responsible for paying your bills. Your policy may cover your mortgage, but you are still left with car payments, cell phone bills, credit card payments etc… In the same manner be sure to call in and report any lost or damaged credit cards
The Most Important Steps If Your Home Burns Down
TAKE CARE OF YOUR LOVED ONES.
Get physically checked out by a medical professional. If you, your family, or your pets were in the home when the fire was burning you have likely been exposed to smoke inhalation. Such exposure can cause many short and long term health issues. Equally important is your family’s mental health. A house fire can be extremely difficult to overcome. Seek help if you or your family are having difficulty coping with the loss. This is the most important step you can take if your home burns down. After all, possessions can be replaced. Your family can not.
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!
Understandably, taking photos and videos might not be on the front of your mind. However, this is a crucial step in the process of what to do when your home burns down. Taking photos of a certain room or area of the home can jog your memory of all the contents that were located there. Additionally, having photographic evidence can support your claim with the insurance company. Subsequently, this will help ensure proper indemnification for your loss.
How to Prevent the Three Main Causes of House Fires
- According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the number one cause of house fires is unattended cooking. Proper execution of certain cooking methods can greatly reduce the chance of a fire starting. Additionally, keep up to code fire extinguishers around your home to help reduce the chances of a fire destroying your property. All homeowners and renters alike should have fire extinguishers placed throughout the home. Furthermore, they should be educated on how to properly use those fire extinguishers.
- Next, the second most common cause for house fires is heating equipment. When the weather turns colder, we turn on our heating devices and equipment. Space heaters are often used to heat garages, basements, and other areas of the home. They should not be the main source of heat for your home. Additionally, keep the space heaters at least 2-3 feet way from all objects, especially any fabric coverings. If your home relies on a furnace as it’s main heat source, the NFPA recommends that you call a professional to inspect the equipment once a year to ensure proper performance and maintenance.
- Lastly, we have faulty wiring. What’s going on inside your walls? That is not a question you often ask yourself. However, this hidden issue plays a major role in common house fires. Keep an eye out for the warning signs of faulty wiring: lights that dim when another appliance is in use and constant blown fuses.
What to Do if Your Home Burns Down?
CALL ALLCITY ADJUSTING NOW! (844)MYADJUSTER
We at AllCity Adjusting truly hope that you nor anyone you know or love has to ever endure a tragedy such as losing your home to a fire. However, if you are faced with such a loss we are here for you. Our team of highly trained and educated insurance professionals can help provide peace of mind during a grueling insurance process. Don’t do this alone. Let AllCity Adjusting help you. We’re on your side.
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