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After A Fire
If your home is damaged by fire it disrupts your entire life. The loss of a home can
bewilder anyone, but there are many things that need to be taken care of immediately.
The items below, although not complete, can help get your life back to normal.
Secure Yourself and the Fire Site
- Contact your local disaster relief services, the
Reference Directory lists many of the local organizations available to help with
many of your immediate needs, such as:
- Temporary Housing
- Food
- Medicine
- Eyeglasses
- Other Essential Items
- Contact your insurance agent/ company
Cautions
- Do not enter the damaged site. There is always the danger that the fire
may rekindle from the smoldering embers.
- Do not attempt to turn off the utilities yourself. Normally, the
fire department will see that the utilities are safe to use or
are disconnected before they leave the site.
- Watch for structural damage caused by the fire. Roofs and floors may
be damaged and collapse.
- Any foods, beverages or medications that were exposed to heat, smoke,
soot, or water may be contaminated and should not be consumed.
Securing Your Home
- Contact the Lynn Haven Police Department (850)-265-4111, and
let them know that the property will be unoccupied.
- Board up opening if necessary. This will discourage trespassers and
vandels.
- Save all of your receipts. You will need them for your insurance company
to verify what you have spent. You will also need them if you
claim a loss on your income tax.
- If it is safe - locate the following items:
- Insurance information
- Personal Identification (Driver's License, Social Security Card, etc.)
- Medication Information
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids, any other prosthetic devices
- Valuables - Credit Cards, Bank Books, Cash, Jewelry
- There are many people and organizations that need to be notified of
your relocation, including:
- The Post Office
- Your Employer
- Your Children's School
- Family and Friends
- The Mortgage Company (also notify them of the fire)
- Your insurance agent/ company
- The Fire and Police Departments
- Any Delivery Services
- Your Utility Companies
- Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. All
damages will be taken into consideration with your insurance claim. If
you are considering hiring an inventory or repair service - discuss
your plans with your insurance company first.
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