Returning Home After a Fire

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Home structure fires pose a significant, potentially deadly threat. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments responded to an average 358,300 home structure fires per year between 2010 and 2014.  A host of factors can contribute to home fires. Cooking equipment, heating equipment and electrical distribution and lighting equipment can spark home structure fires. In such instances, homeowners may soon find themselves picking up the pieces after their homes, and many of their possessions, have burned to the ground. The U.S. Fire Administration offers the following tips to men and women who must recover after their homes have fallen victim to structure fires.

• Recognize the need to be patient. When a home is on fire, firefighters may take certain actions to ensure the fire is completely extinguished. For example, holes might be drilled in the walls of homes to make sure there are no hidden flames. In addition, holes may be cut in the roof to let out heat and smoke. Such actions can save lives and even homes, but the resulting cleanup can be time-consuming. When returning home for the first time after a fire, men and women must recognize the need to remain patient as they formulate and execute a plan to clean up their homes.

•Contact a disaster relief service. The local branch of a disaster relief service like the Salvation Army can help victims of home structure fires find lodging, food, clothing, and medicine. Don't hesitate to reach out to such organizations for assistance.

•  Do not enter the home until the fire department deems it safe to do so. Even fires that appear to be out can start again. In addition, the USFA advises that roofs and floors, even those that appear sturdy to the naked eye, can still fall down after the blaze has been extinguished. Avoid entering a home until you have been given the go-ahead by the local fire department.

• Contact SERVPRO of Lexington / Thomasville and your insurance agent. Victims of home structure fires whose homes are uninhabitable to inform them about the fire and that they will not be living there. SERVPRO can asset boarding up broken windows and trap roofs  to prevent trespassers from gaining entry to the home. Renters should contact their landlords immediately as well and have them contact SERVPRO.

• Be careful with items that were not burned. The USFA notes that even items that were not burned may still have been ruined by smoke or been soaked with water. Have a trained professional clean and restore your belongings is critical in ensuring no additional damage occurs.

But following the advice of your agent and SERVPRO it can make the recovery process go as smoothly as possible.