August 12, 2021
5 CRITICAL THINGS TO DO AFTER A FIRE
A house fire can be a very traumatic event. You may be left with a mix of emotions that make you feel nervous, worried, scared, upset, confused, and frustrated about not knowing what to do next.
The first step is to take a deep breath, try to relax, and understand that everything will be alright. The primary concern is the safety of your family. Only after making sure everyone is in good health can you turn your attention to the recovery of your home and belongings. Keep in mind that a fire can also result in extensive water damage Chicago homeowners often do not realize.
Here are five things that you should consider after a fire, allowing you to take a calm and diligent approach to rebuild your home and getting your life back in order.
SAFETY IN THE HOUSE
Consult with the authorities and the professionals on when it is safe to enter the home again after the fire. The fire department is there to ensure that the fire is completely extinguished. They will then follow all precautionary measures to proclaim the home as safe.
KNOW WHO TO CONTACT
It’s important to make sure you contact the right people at the right time. Advise your family members about the issue and let them know you are safe. Review your insurance policy and then contact your insurance company or immediately hire a public adjuster to file a claim for you. A public adjuster works on your behalf to ensure the entire process is handled properly, from submitting the right documentation to negotiating with your insurance provider and getting everything you deserve through your claim. For water cleanup in Chicago, the next call to make is to a professional team like McKinley Restoration Company. These experts can efficiently and professionally get you back into your home, and living under the pre-disaster conditions you have always been accustomed to as soon as possible.
GET THE FIRE REPORT
Typically coming to you from the fire department, the fire report will review the facts of the fire, including the condition of the home structure, the areas affected by the fire, the possible cause, as well as the time and date. In some municipalities, you may need to call the fire department directly to acquire a copy of this report.
SECURE YOUR PROPERTY
Make sure your property is secured. If you do not secure the property, your home could be robbed, or in some cases, an unauthorized individual may enter and suffer injuries, which you would be responsible for. You may ask the authorities or emergency services to recommend the best solution to secure the home.
BEGIN THE CLEANUP PROCESS
Interior and exterior fire and water cleanup for your Chicago home will most likely be required. There will almost certainly be damage that cannot be seen with the naked eye. With that said, you should definitely hire a professional service like McKinley Restoration Company to perform a complete water extraction in Chicago and a thorough cleaning to remove all soot, smoke, and odor from every space on the property.
