What should you do in the First 24 Hours After a Fire?

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

What should you do in the First 24 Hours After a Fire?

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. However, it is fundamental for you to understand that after a fire, the first 24 hours are the most crucial time.

Initially, let friends and family know you're safe. If you have children, leave them with a relative or friend while conducting the first inspection of your home after the fire. The site may be unsafe for children, and seeing the damage firsthand may upset them and cause long-term effects, including nightmares.

You must never forget the 4 most essential warnings after a fire.

• Please do NOT enter the site unless it has been deemed safe.
• Do NOT attempt to turn on utilities yourself; the fire department should determine what is and is not safe to turn on and off.
• Keep a watchful eye for structural damage.
• And lastly, ANY food, beverages, and medicine that have been exposed to heat, soot, smoke, or water should NOT be consumed under ANY circumstances.

Contact your local disaster relief service to help with your immediate needs, like:

• temporary housing
• food
• medicine
• eyeglasses
• clothing
• other essential items

People and animals seriously injured or burned should be immediately transported to professional medical or veterinary help. And stay out of fire-damaged homes until local fire authorities say it is safe to re-enter.

Contact your insurance agent or company and let them know about the situation and what actions you should take, such as:

• Dwelling requirements,
• Covering doors and windows affected by the fire
• Water removal – if any resulting from fighting the fire
• Immediate food and shelter provisions

Also, beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are essential in showing the insurance company the money you spend on your fire loss and verifying losses claimed on your income tax.

Do not discard damaged goods until an inventory has been taken. All damages are taken into consideration in developing your insurance claim. If you are considering contracting for inventory or repair services, discuss your plans with your insurance agent/company first.

As you leave your home, you should contact your local police department to let them know the site will be unoccupied so that they can be aware of any abnormality, such as trespassers.

Some companies specialize in the restoration of fire-damaged structures. Be clear about who will pay whether you or your insurer employs this service. Be sure to request an estimate of the cost of the work. Before any company is hired, check their references. T

The first 24 hours after fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO's 148 Service Response Guidelines* can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.

Under normal circumstances, within one hour from notice of a loss, a SERVPRO of Martin County will contact you to arrange for service. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Martin County will be on-site to begin mitigation services. Finally, within eight business hours, a verbal job briefing will be communicated to the appropriate person.

SERVPRO of Martin County provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke, and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. These services help restore your property and belongings to the preloss condition when possible.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to help you make it "Like it never even happened." Why Take the Risk? Call SERVPRO of Martin County at (772) 334-8762.