Fire damage can be devastating.

 

In severe cases, it could completely destroy your home and ruin your most valuable property. In more minor cases, it can still damage your home’s interior, leave noticeable marks, damage electronics, and leave smoke damage in its wake.

 

Fire damage can happen to anyone. Every home is susceptible to it, yet most people don’t know what to do if their home is damaged by fire.

 

If your home does experience fire damage, you should know what steps you can take to start recovering.

 

Let’s take a look at what you should do if your home has fire damage.

 

 

Call Your Insurance Provider

First and foremost, be sure to contact your insurance provider immediately after experiencing fire damage.

 

Call your agent to talk to them about the next steps that you should take. Your agent can provide guidance to help you understand what you need to do to start repairing your home.

 

They may advise you to take certain steps, including:

 

  • Recording every item that has been damaged and how much each item costs
  • Taking steps to minimize damage, such as covering openings and draining water
  • Hiring an inspector to assess the damage done to your home

 

Your agent will tell you what steps to take to start recovering from fire damage.

 

 

Find a Restoration Company

Fire damage leaves a lot of repair work to be done. Your home may need extensive renovations, depending on the severity of the fire.

 

It’s important to clean up any soot, smoke damage, standing water, and other residual damage as soon as possible. This will help protect your home from experiencing more long-term damage.

 

You shouldn’t take on this task by yourself. Look for a reputable restoration company to help you clean and repair your home. Your insurance agent may be able to refer you to great, affordable restoration services.

 

 

Separate Your Goods

After any major disaster, it’s important to make a detailed list of all damaged and undamaged goods. This will ensure that your insurance provider compensates you for your losses.

 

Walking through your home, after it has been established as safe, is important so that you can identify all damaged property.

 

Additionally, this will help you identify undamaged goods and remove them so that they don’t experience any damage.

 

If possible, try to submit receipts for the items that you report as damaged. If you have your receipts, it will help you back up your claim to your insurance provider.

 

 

Find a Place to Stay

In some cases, your home may not be safe to inhabit after a fire.

 

In this case, you’ll need to find a place to stay as quickly as possible. Ask your insurance provider if your policy includes coverage for this. Homeowner’s insurance policies often include coverage in the case that your home becomes unsafe to live in. You may be able to receive compensation for your living expenses until you can return to your home.

 

Fire damage can take a serious toll on your home and property. Following these steps will help you recover as quickly as possible.