First 24 Hrs After the Fire

THE FIRST 24 HOURS

First take a moment to gather your thoughts and follow some of the following steps to ensure the process moves as quickly as possible for you and your family.

SECURING YOURSELF AND SITE

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, to help with your immediate needs, such as:

• Temporary housing
• Food
• Medicine
• Eyeglasses
• Clothing
• and other essential items

Contact your insurance agent/company.

Cautions

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 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.

LEAVING YOUR HOME

Contact your local police department to let them know the site will be unoccupied.

In some cases it may be necessary to board up opening to discourage trespassers.

Beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company the money you spend related to your fire loss and also for verifying losses claimed on your income tax.

If it is safe to do so, try to locate the following items:

• Identification, such as driver's license and social security cards
• Insurance information
• Medication information
• eyeglasses, hearing aids or other prosthetic devices
• valuables, such as credit cards, bank books, cash and jewelry

If possible, the fire department may be able to assist in locating these items

There are many people/entities that should be notified of your relocation, including:

• Insurance Agent/Company
• Mortgage Company
• Family and Friends
• Employer
• Child's School
• Post Office
• Any Delivery Services
• Fire and Police Departments
• Utility Companies

Do not throw away damaged goods until after an inventory is made. 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.

CARING FOR YOUR PETS

If you have pets, find and comfort them. Scared animals often react by biting and scratching. Handle them carefully, calmly and gently. Try to leave pets with family member(s), Friend(s), or veterinarian if you are visiting or cleaning your damaged home. Keep your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete to keep them safe. Animals are naturally inquisitive and could be injures if they are brought back to a damaged home.

• Try to obtain the same food as the pets regular diet
• Visit with your pets regularly and play with them often

IF YOU ARE INSURED

Give notice of the loss to the insurance company or the insurer's agent/company

Ask the insurance company what to do about the immediate needs of the dwelling, such as covering doors, windows, and other exposed areas, and pumping out water.

Ask your insurance agent/company what actions are required of you. Some policyholders may be required to make an inventory of damaged personal property showing in detail the quantity, description and how much you paid for the items.

IF YOU ARE NOT INSURED

Your recovery from a fire loss may be based upon your own resources and help from your community.

Private organizations that may be sources of aid or information: