Fire Damage In Your Home

1/2/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen with burnt pots on stove damage to cabinets and countertop.

After the fire is put out do not enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to turn on utilities yourself! Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may be damaged and subject to collapse. Food, beverages and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed.
Give notice of the loss to your insurance company or agent. In some cases it may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers. Contact a licensed and insured remediation company about the immediate needs of the dwelling, such as covering doors, windows, and other exposed areas, and pumping out water.
If it is safe to do so, try to locate the following items: • identification, such as driver's licenses, Social Security cards and passports • insurance information • medication information • eyeglasses, hearing aids or other prosthetic devices • valuables, such as credit cards, bank books, cash and jewelry.