A house fire is one of the most traumatic events a homeowner can experience. Even after the flames are extinguished, the road to restoration is often long and daunting, both physically and emotionally. However, knowing the proper steps can help alleviate the process of navigating this stressful situation and ensure your home and belongings are restored efficiently.
Our step-by-step guide below walks you through exactly what to do after a fire.
Pre-Fire Action: Create a Fire Escape Plan
Before we get into the details about what steps to take in the event of a fire at your home, it’s extremely wise to establish a fire escape plan with your family. A fire escape plan details what everyone needs to do to exit the house quickly and safely.
A Fire Escape Plan should include:
- Map of Your Home: Create a visual of your home with crucial doors and windows marked so your family members can see where to go, no matter where they are in the house when the fire starts.
- A safe meeting place outside: Determine a meet-up place, whether that be at the mailbox, a tree in the yard, a neighbor’s house, etc.
- Routine practice: Fire drills are not just for schools and some workplaces—it’s important for your family to practice their escape from the home every once in a while so that they will have the muscle memory in the event of a real fire.
Having a fire escape plan can optimize your family’s safety and make the following actions a bit easier to carry out.
Step 1: Ensure Safety and Seek Assistance
Your very first priority after a fire is to ensure your safety and the safety of your family members or anyone else in the building. If there is an active fire, follow your fire escape plan to exit as quickly as you can, and then call 911. Do not enter your home again until authorities declare it safe.
Fires can weaken structural integrity, cause chemical reactions that are not safe to be exposed to, or create electrical dangers.
Action Steps:
- Contact emergency services ASAP if you haven’t already done so.
- Confirm with firefighters that it’s safe to reenter your home.
Step 2: Contact Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance company will guide you through the following steps, including documenting losses, arranging temporary housing, and initiating the restoration process.
Action Steps:
- Notify your insurance agent or company immediately.
- Ask what documentation is required and find out how soon an adjuster can inspect the property.
- Confirm your coverage details and begin documenting all losses.
Step 3: Document the Damage
You must take comprehensive documentation of the damage to your property and personal items for your insurance claim.
Action Steps:
- Take clear, detailed photographs and videos of every damaged area.
- Make a detailed inventory list of all damaged and destroyed items, including values and purchase dates if possible.
- Keep all receipts for immediate expenses such as lodging, meals, and clothing, as your insurance may reimburse you for these.
Step 4: Secure Your Property
Secure your property* as soon as possible to prevent additional damage, such as theft or weather-related issues.
Action Steps:
- Board up windows and doors if necessary.
- Place tarps over holes in the roof or exposed areas.
*A quality restoration company can help thoroughly and correctly secure property for the ultimate protection and peace of mind.
Step 5: Salvage What’s Salvageable
After the fire is out and it’s deemed safe to reenter your home, it’s important to go through your belongings, saving what can be saved and tossing what is past the point of restoration.
Action Steps:
- Remove all items and divide them between salvageable and not salvageable.
- Avoid using certain items, including electrical appliances, until inspected and declared safe by a professional.
Step 6: Begin the Restoration Process
Hire a professional fire restoration team to clean, deodorize, and restore your home effectively. Quality restoration experts (like those at Aftercare Restoration) can handle everything from removing smoke odors to rebuilding structural elements.
Action Steps:
- Hire an experienced fire damage restoration company recommended by your insurer or trusted local sources. Eastern Pennsylvania can turn to Aftercare Restoration for efficient, thorough home restoration services following a fire.
- Work closely with the restoration company to develop a clear timeline and understand their process.
Step 7: Address Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke and soot are highly corrosive and can permanently stain or damage your belongings if not addressed quickly. Your restoration team will work to remove smoke and soot damage, deodorize the space, and create a chemical-free environment.
Action Steps:
- Allow professionals to handle the cleanup using specialized equipment and cleaning solutions.
- Avoid attempting DIY soot removal, as incorrect methods may worsen damage or increase health risks through exposure to soot and other contaminants.
Step 8: Repair and Rebuild
Once your property has been thoroughly cleaned and all damaged materials have been removed, it’s time to start repairing and rebuilding.
Action Steps:
- Work with contractors recommended by your restoration company or insurer to rebuild structural elements. It’s even better if your restoration team also provides licensed general contracting services.
- Review all repair plans carefully, ensuring they meet your original specifications.
Step 9: Return Home
After restoration, a final inspection ensures your home is safe, clean, and fully restored to its pre-fire condition.
Action Steps:
- Conduct a thorough walkthrough with your restoration company.
- Ensure all necessary repairs have been completed to your satisfaction.
- Confirm with your insurance adjuster that all claims have been addressed and finalized.
Step 10: Plan for Prevention
Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of future fires.
Action Steps:
- Install and regularly test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations and learn how to use them.
- Regularly inspect and maintain heating, electrical systems, and kitchen appliances.
If you need fire restoration services after a house fire, call AfterCare Restoration today! 215.515.1000
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- What Are the Five Types of Fire Damage?
- Fire Prevention Safety Tips Everyone Should Know
- Fire Damage Restoration: What to Know
- 5 Steps to Prevent House Fires
AfterCare Restoration is a Local Family- and Veteran-Owned damage restoration company. We specialize in 24/7 water damage restoration, fire board-up, fire damage restoration, smoke damage restoration, and complete reconstruction services.
At AfterCare, we use the latest technology, arrive in marked vehicles and professional uniforms, and stand 100% behind our work. This is why at AfterCare, we consistently receive 5-star reviews from customers who choose AfterCare for water damage cleanup and fire and smoke damage restoration.
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