C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
Steps to Take After a Fire Damages Your Home
Experiencing a fire at home can be devastating. Losing property and memories is tough, and rebuilding can be a long process. If you’ve recently been through this, it’s crucial to know how to recover. Keep reading for easy steps to help guide you through this difficult situation.
We experienced significant damages to our home from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and while a hurricane may not be possible in your area, a fire can happen anywhere. You can also use this guide for any home disaster you may experience.
Take care of your home sweet home after any disaster
Step 1: Call Your Insurance Provider
Your insurance provider will help you determine the coverage that you have and also explain any additional details about filing a claim for damages related to the fire. They will typically send an adjuster out who will assess the total cost of repairs, compile a list of all items that were lost, and provide you with a timeline for when payments will be sent out. We had to hire a law firm to help us with insurance, as sometimes home disasters can be difficult and/or overwhelming to navigate alone.
Inventory everything because you are entitled to it all to be restored
Step 2: Create an Inventory Of Lost Items
Make sure that you create an inventory of all the items that were lost in the fire. This should include furniture, electronics, clothing, and other items. To make this process easier, it’s helpful to itemize details such as purchase date and cost. You can also use photographs or videos to help you remember what was destroyed by the fire. Taking inventory using a notebook or a good phone camera prior to any possible disaster is ideal. Find the time to do this.
Unattended candles are a fire hazard
Step 3: Contact Your Local Government
Most cities have services available to help those affected by fires in their homes. Contact your local government to find out what resources are available. This could include assistance with finding temporary housing, financial aid to help cover the cost of repairs, or counseling services for you and any other family members affected by the fire.
Restoration services will restore your home back to the original or better
Step 4: Hire Restoration Services
To effectively restore fire damage in your home, it's crucial to hire a contractor specializing in fire damage restoration. They will evaluate the extent of the damage and develop a repair plan. Additionally, they can suggest materials to improve your home's resistance to potential fires. Rytech Restoration is a reputable restoration company you can consider working with.
We were lucky to only have minimal damage in our Reiki room. See a quick tour in our video below or on our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
Many items can be salvageable post house fire, but use good judgement
Step 5: Sort Through the Damage
Once the restoration process begins, you'll want to start sorting through what is salvageable and what needs to be replaced. This might involve sifting through debris or assessing furniture and other items to determine if they are still functional. Make sure that you wear gloves when doing this, as there could be dangerous materials present in the remains of your home.
Try reiki therapy post house disaster
Step 6: Seek Professional Help
Experiencing a house fire can cause emotional trauma that can last for months or even years. To help you deal with the aftermath, it's important to seek professional help like counseling services or support groups. Don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it - it can greatly aid in your healing process.
Recovering from a home fire can be challenging, but there are ways to ease the burden. You can start by contacting your insurance provider and making a list of the items that were lost. Hiring professional restoration services is also a good idea. Remember that healing after a home fire is possible with the right approach. By following these steps, you can get back on track quickly after a fire.
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C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.