All About Fire Damage: What to Do & Who to Call

Regardless of its scale, a fire incident at your home is devastating and can leave a profound impact. Alongside the loss of treasured belongings and cherished memories, you’re left to pick up the pieces and rebuild your life. Knowing who to reach out to and what steps to take in the aftermath of a fire can be challenging.

At JF Public Adjusters, we understand the challenges homeowners face after a fire. Serving New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania homeowners, we’ve supported numerous clients in their journey to recovery. Below, we present our comprehensive guide to navigating the aftermath of a house fire, starting with the crucial initial steps.

What to Do & Who to Call In the Event of a House Fire

Experiencing a house fire can be one of the most traumatic events a homeowner can face. In the aftermath of such a disaster, it’s crucial to know what steps to take to ensure your safety and begin the process of rebuilding. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after a fire.

Ensure Safety

The first priority after a house fire is to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. If you haven’t already done so, evacuate the property immediately and move to a safe location. Do not re-enter the home until authorities have declared it safe to do so.

Contact Emergency Services

Once you are safely outside the property, dial emergency services (911) to report the fire. Firefighters will work to extinguish the flames and ensure that the fire does not spread to neighboring properties. Additionally, emergency medical services can provide assistance if anyone has sustained injuries.

Notify Your Insurance Company

As soon as possible, contact your insurance company to report the fire and initiate the claims process. Provide them with essential details such as the date and time of the fire, the extent of the damage, and any injuries sustained. Your insurance company will guide you through the next steps and arrange for an adjuster to assess the damage.

Document the Damage

Before any cleanup or repairs begin, document the damage to your property by taking photographs and videos. Capture images of each room from multiple angles, focusing on areas that have been severely affected by the fire. This documentation will be valuable when filing your insurance claim.

Secure Your Property

To prevent further damage and protect your property from looting, secure any openings, such as doors and windows. We recommend enlisting a reputable mitigation company to take on this task, as they are well equipped to handle fire, smoke, and water damage. It may be necessary to board up windows and doors or use tarps to cover openings in the roof.

Begin Cleanup and Restoration

Once you have received approval from your insurance company, you can begin the cleanup and restoration process. Work with reputable contractors and restoration professionals to assess the damage and develop a plan for repairs. Be sure to keep all receipts and invoices for expenses related to the cleanup and restoration, as these may be reimbursed by your insurance company.

Consider Hiring a Public Adjuster

There are several types of damage to be considered in a fire – fire damage, smoke damage, and water damage from firefighting. Individually, each of these types of damage are complicated enough. Altogether, they are simply too complex and overwhelming to be handled on your own without an expert to guide you. Consider hiring a public adjuster, such as JF Public Adjusters, to represent your interests and ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. A public adjuster will handle all aspects of the insurance claim process, from documenting the damage to negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf. We have helped our clients achieve positive results on their insurance claim.

By following these steps and seeking assistance from professionals like JF Public Adjusters, you can navigate the aftermath of a house fire with confidence and begin the journey toward rebuilding and recovery. Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you through this challenging time.