Once a house fire occurs...

3/2/2018 (Permalink)

A fire in a home can cause serious damage. The building and many of the things in your home may have been badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke and water. It is important to know what to do after the fire has been turned off:

1. Personal Safety- Do not enter a damaged home or apartment unless the fire department says it is safe. Fires can start again, even if they appear to be out. Watch for damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may be damaged and could fall down.
2. Secure the premises- Board up any open windows or doors that may have been damaged during the fire to prevent looting.
3. Contact your insurance agent- Ask what to do about the immediate needs of your home. This includes pumping out water and covering doors, windows and other openings. If you do not have insurance, there organizations that may be able to assist you in the time of need; such as American Red Cross, Religious organizations, Public Health Department, or State emergency offices.
4. Finances- Finances Get in touch with your landlord or mortgage lender ASAP. Contact your credit card company to report credit cards that were lost in the fire and request replacements.
5. Restoration- Contact SERVPRO of North Miami to begin restoring your home to habitable living conditions. The restoration process for a fire may be lengthy depending on the severity of the damages but SERVPRO will facilitate the process and will leave it "Like it never even happened."