In grade school, we all experienced fire drills and how important it was to know what to do in a fire emergency at school. Often times, businesses and organizations require fire drills to make employees aware of safety policies and precautions per state guidelines.
These fire drills did a good job in preparing us for what we need to do in case of a fire at work or school, but would you know what to do if there was a fire in your own home? It’s a scary thought, but an important conversation piece.
Let’s explore the necessary steps in the aftermath of a house fire.
Knowing What to Expect
A fire in your home can cause major damage. Many objects in your home may have been severely damaged by the flames, smoke, and water…and anything that may be salvaged, must be carefully and thoroughly cleaned.
Finding Out When and If It’s Safe to Re-Enter Your Home
You do not want to set foot in your house until it’s been cleared by the fire authorities, telling you that it’s ok to do so. Fires can start again even though it looks like everything is clear.
Damage to roofs and floors could be a gateway to injuries. The damage from the fire and water allows for the roof and floors to collapse, leading to another set of problems
So it’s very important that you wait on the fire authorities to give you clearance…after all, they’re the ones who have actually been in the house to make sure the fire is extinguished. Also, if the damages are too bad, you may not be allowed back in your house at all.
Knowing Who to Call After a Fire
Knowing who to call after a fire is very important. There a few key components on who to call after a fire that help you to move forward after such a devastating event.
- Family: Family will be your biggest support system, if you have family that live locally. They are a resource of having somewhere to stay while going through this tough time. You’ll want to let them know what happened and the condition of everyone affected by the fire.
- Insurance: Calling your insurance company is so important during this time. Your insurance allows the documentation process to begin as well as getting you through emergency lodging and living expenses if you do not have family living locally. Also the American Red Cross assists in helping families find a place to stay as well as food, clothing, and medicine.
- Injury Lawyer: Being burned in a fire is very traumatic. Injuries and deaths happen every day from fires. People experience first, second, and third degree burns; that road to recovery can be devastating and feel defeating. Those reasons alone, is why it’s so important in finding an attorney when you suffer a serious injury.
Understanding the Fire Report and Getting a Copy of the Fire Report
The fire report discusses all the specifics of the fire. It states the condition the house was in, time and date of the fire, and the location of the fire. If the fire department does the report, then they’ll issue an incident number. Typically, the fire department will be able to provide you with a copy of the fire report.
Cleaning up
Going through and picking up the pieces of what once was can cause emotional pain, but you don’t have to go it alone. The American Red Cross assists in cleaning up, as well as your insurance.
In the process of your clean up, you’ll need to know how to do it carefully and safely. You’ll be dealing with water damage, soot, ash, smoke, and odor. Make sure you’re equipped with gloves, goggles, and a mask.
If you are able, open all windows for circulation and prevention of ingestion of fumes and chemicals. Be safe and call professionals if damages are too extensive.
Counseling
Seek counseling if needed. Experiencing a fire can be a traumatic and devastating experience, especially if there were injuries. Common feelings experienced are sadness of the loss of sentimental belongings, helplessness, and an overwhelming feeling of having to start over again.
Remember to keep in mind the most important aspect of surviving a fire, and that is that everyone survived and is ok. Things can be replaced, but there is only one you, and you are more valuable than any materialistic item.
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