Eight Steps to Recover
from a House Fire

If you’ve just experienced a house fire, it can be hard to know what to do next.

These steps will help you get back on your feet and find the solutions you need.

Nobody wants to think about the possibility of a fire damaging their home. Yet if the unimaginable does happen, knowing the right steps to take can help you and your home return to normal faster than you might expect.

We want to make sure that you know that Five Star Properties is here to help you and that we’ll be by your side every step of the way.

1. Find a safe place to stay: This is the number one most important step. Take care of yourself and your family first. No matter the damage of the fire, it’s most likely that you will be unable to stay in your house. Make sure you find a safe place to stay like a family or friend’s house until you get notified that it is safe to return to your home. If staying with family and friends is not an option, talk to a local disaster relief agency such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. They will be able to make sure that you have a safe place to stay.

2. Contact your insurance agent: Once you’ve found a safe place to stay, contact your insurance agent. You’re going to need to start a claim and address your immediate needs. You may receive funds that will help cover your living and daily expenses. If you receive these, make sure you save all your receipts and keep a detailed record of everything that you purchase. Your insurance agent should also be able to recommend who to call to help with clean up and recovering your possessions.

3. Make sure your home is protected: Even though your home may be damaged and you’re unable to be living in it at the time, you still need to make sure it is protected from weather and unlawful entry.

4. Take care of your pets: After the fire, it is extremely important to have your pets checked out by the veterinarian. There could be smoke damage to your pet’s lungs or they could have burns under their fur. No matter how big the fire was, take your pets to the vet.

5. Get a fire report copy: Getting a copy of the fire report may be helpful in providing information to your insurance agent. You can usually get a copy from your local fire department.

6. Address finances: Even though your home may be damaged, you’re still going to need to continue paying your mortgage as well as other expenses. Make sure you replace any credit cards that were damaged in the fire. Money that was damaged in the fire may still be able to be used. Even if half the bill is burnt, place it in a plastic bag and take it to your regional Federal Reserve Bank and get it replaced.

7. Recover your possessions: Your insurance usually will cover the items lost in the fire. Typically, your homeowner’s policy is a replacement-cost-policy. If that’s the case for you, you will receive cash value for the damage and will be able to recover your possessions.

8. Take care of your family: Coping with a house fire can be very difficult, especially for children. Be patient with them and make sure they are taking care of their mental health. If you or other members of your family are having difficulties coping, seek out support.

Nobody plans for a house fire. If you’re faced with one though, your friends at Five Star Properties are here to help. Call us at 972-532-7355. Let’s talk through the next steps that are right for you, your family and your specific situation.