You Had a Fire - What Happens Next?

2/20/2022 (Permalink)

The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide to follow after a fire in your home.

1. Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire
2. The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.  DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
3. Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
4. If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. (SERVPRO of Catonsville is approved by all insurance companies.) 
5. Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. Try to locate valuable documents and records-deed to home, car, bank information, birth certificates, etc. 
6. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax
7. Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  At SERVPRO of Catonsville, we have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 410-242-7370