A fire at home is the worst fear for so many people, and it feels like a nightmare if it happens to you. Once the initial blaze is out, there is so much to do to minimize the damage and return to a safe and clean home. Eventually, you will want to return to a degree of normality, but you may feel lost in the traumatizing moment. With this in mind, here are a few steps to take after a house fire.
Contact the insurance company
At this initial stage, it is more than likely that you will want to make some insurance claims. So, you will need to contact your insurance company right away. You don’t want to end up with delayed claims, and you may run into issues that slow the process.
Work out your alternative living arrangement
You’ll need a place to stay while all the cleaning and repair work is ongoing at home. Ideally, choose somewhere that doesn’t have a timeframe for leaving – such as with friends and family so you don’t have to stress any more than you already are. Some people may have to pay for a hotel or similar accommodation, and if you’re in this situation, you will want to find somewhere nearby so you can easily travel back and forth as needed.
Get your utilities repaired and inspected
When you move back home after a house fire, you’ll want to make sure everything is safe and secure. This means getting in touch with your utility suppliers and ensuring they reconnect everything as needed. By doing this early in the process, you help ensure your home as normal as possible when it’s time to move back in.
Get the home cleaned by professionals
While you may be able to take care of some of the cleaning and reorganizing yourself, some aspects are best left to the pros. A smoke odor removal service will help remove the lingering scent that stays behind. The amount of cleaning your home needs depends on how much damage has occurred. Consider calling a professional so you have one less thing to worry about and can return to a clean home.
Take time to return to normal
A fire is such a traumatic experience that you don’t want to rush yourself to return to normal before you are ready. After all, not only is there physical damage, but there is also emotional upheaval to handle.
