New York City is a fantastic place to live. Unfortunately, home fires are common, mainly when high temperatures cause vegetation to dry.
Based on data from Red Cross, small house fires are the most prevalent disaster. The aftermath of a home fire is often devastating, damaging the house inside and out. Even if the fire doesn’t produce wild flames, the heat can affect glass windows, causing the paint to peel and blister while melting plastic components.
If your home suffered a fire, you might feel overwhelmed and wonder where to start, which is perfectly normal. This guide aims to walk you through the first steps to give you the confidence to rebuild your life.
What to Do After a House Fire
§ Ensure Your Loved Ones Are Safe
In all the confusion, it’s easy to forget basic things such as checking in with your family to ensure everyone is okay. If several people were at home when the fire started, it could be a traumatizing experience for them, especially if some were children.
Take time to reach out to your loved ones, even those not in the accident. If none of your family members is close, contact close friends so you have support as you plan for fire damage restoration.
If your home is a rental, let the property owner or manager know immediately before you start the recovery process.
§ Figure Out House Fire Insurance
After ensuring everyone is okay, the next step is contacting your homeowner’s insurance provider. Doing so allows you to start documenting the event for the insurance claim process.
The insurance agent can help you find emergency accommodation where your policy will cover your living expenses.
You can then contact experienced fire restoration professionals from NYTDR to handle the smoke, fire, and water damage. The experts will collaborate with your insurance provider so you can focus on getting your life back together.
§ Determine the Extent of the Fire Damage
On average, the temperature in a house fire often reaches 100 degrees at ground level and about 600 degrees at eye level. Such intense heat is enough to compromise your home’s structural integrity.
The best move is to consult NYTDR’s fire damage restoration experts to help you assess the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action.
The experienced professionals will remove the unsalvageable items, clean up and repair the critical areas. They’ll also manage water mitigation to reduce water damage after firefighters extinguish the fire.
§ Determine Whether Your Home is Safe to Re-enter
It’s best to avoid entering your house after a fire until the fire department gives you the go-ahead.
Fires can re-ignite even when they seem extinguished, and your roof or floor can give out due to hidden damage. Inhaling soot and smoke for extended periods can also pose a health risk.
§ Organize Your Possessions
If it’s safe to re-enter, start by retrieving valuable items such as documents like passports and certificates. Separate the damaged items so it’s easier to list the items your insurance provider should replace.
Fire restoration experts can help you sort your belongings and salvage undamaged items. They’ll also assist with professional cleaning to remove all traces of soot and smoke.
§ Find Temporary Accommodation to Allow Restoration
In most cases, the homeowner’s insurance policy covers shelter, clothing, and food for you and your loved ones for a particular period. If you don’t have insurance coverage, you can contact local disaster relief services like the American Red Cross, friends, relatives, or church to help you find suitable accommodations as the restoration process proceeds.
You Are Not Alone; NYKB is Here to Help
Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire can become challenging and overwhelming for everyone involved.
The smoke, heat, and fire damages are often difficult to clean and restore. You likely also have to deal with water damage caused by the water used to extinguish the fire.
NYTDR fire damage restoration experts have the right tools, training, and experience to handle such repairs. You don’t have to deal with your insurance provider alone; these professionals will manage the negotiations to ensure you get what you deserve.
If your home suffered a fire, you can rest assured the experts will clean, repair and restore it to its former glory. In fact, it may be in a better state, thanks to the high-quality materials and fixtures NYTDR uses.
