A house fire is a devastating event.
In the blink of an eye, your home and everything in it can be destroyed.
Not only do you have to deal with property damage, but you also must grapple with the emotional toll of losing treasured possessions.
If your home has been damaged by fire, it's important to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.
The sooner you start, the sooner you can put this nightmare behind you and get back to normal.
The first few hours after a fire are crucial.
Here are some tips for getting your home back to normal after a fire…
1)) Take an Inventory of What Was Lost
Once the firefighters have given you the all-clear to enter your home, take some time to survey the damage and make a list of what was lost in the fire.
This will be helpful when filing insurance claims.
2)) Contact Your Insurance Company
Your homeowner’s insurance policy will most likely cover fire damage restoration.
But you need to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process.
3)) Find A Place to Stay
If your home is not livable, you’ll need to find a place to stay.
Some insurers will provide temporary housing assistance.
If you have friends and family that you’re close to, contact them, and explain your situation.
This isn’t the time to be prideful, because at some point in time, everyone needs help.
4)) Salvage What You Can
Once the firefighters have given you the all-clear, go through your home and see what can be saved.
Be sure to wear gloves and a mask to protect yourself from soot and other toxins.
5)) Clean Up
Start with the basics – like sweeping up ash and debris.
If there is water damage from firefighting efforts, you’ll need to dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
You can do some of this cleanup yourself, but for bigger tasks, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
6)) Be Patient
Restoring a home after a fire is not a quick or easy process.
It will take time, but eventually, your home will be back to normal.
In the meantime, try to focus on the positive and be grateful for what wasn't lost, no matter how difficult this would be.
7)) Hire A Qualified Fire Damage Restoration Company
A professional restoration company will have the resources and expertise to get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
They will also work with your insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about dealing with the paperwork and red tape.
Conclusion
Dealing with fire damage is difficult, both emotionally and logistically.
But if you do find yourself in this situation, it’s important to act immediately and contact your insurance company, take an inventory of what was lost, find a place to stay, clean up as much as possible, and call a fire damage restoration company that can help get your home back to normal quickly.
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