Steps To Take After A House Fire

9/27/2021 (Permalink)

Detail images from a home that was abandoned after a large housefire. Your home doesn't have to end up like this.

So you've had a fire.  It happens, more often than most people realize.  Some fires are small and just need some walls scrubbed and the air purified.  If the fire department was contacted, there may be water damage along with the smoke and soot.

So what do you do now?

First, immediately contact the Red Cross if you are in need of any items to get by in the next few days, including clothes, food, or housing.
1-800-733-2767

If you have insurance, contact your insurance company.  Let them know the extent of the damage you can see, and ask if you should file a claim.  Very small fires may not cost as much as your deductible, so make sure to contact your agent right away.  Once you're contacted your agent, it's time to reach out to the professionals.

 Contact SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello to set up a time to assess the damage and start the mitigation process.  Soot and smoke need to be cleared out of the air as quickly as possible, and water needs to be removed and stopped from spreading and causing more damage.  

If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance. 

Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.  Do not bring pets into the home until the air is breathable. 

Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.

Try to find valuable documents and records. 

If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know the site will be vacant. 

Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.

Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss

You can also contact the Salvation Army for assistance. 1-800-728-7825

SERVPRO of Blackfoot/Pocatello is happy to assist you in any way we can in these difficult times.  Please reach out to us at 208-242-3819 as soon as possible, and we will be there to help.