Whether due to faulty electrical wiring or a cooking accident, your home may become victimized by flames. In the wake of a house fire, you might feel overwhelmed and not know how to begin addressing the situation. Below, you’ll find a helpful guide to disaster clean-up. 

4 Steps to Take Following a House Fire 

1. Get a Copy of the Fire Report

Your local fire department will issue a report that contains important details about the incident, including the date, time, location, and possible causes. Contact the fire department to request two copies—one for your records and another to give to your homeowner’s insurance company. 

2. Call Your Insurance Company 

Call your provider to file a claim as soon as possible. In addition to paying for repairs, your policy may cover “loss of use,” which provides you with funds to get you into temporary lodgings and to help with daily expenses. Your insurer will also send an adjuster to your home to assess the extent of the damage and make recommendations. 

3. Arrange to Stay Elsewhere 

In most cases, it isn’t possible to safely remain in a home after it has incurred fire damage. Ask friends or family if you may stay with them until your home restoration is complete. Alternatively, contact the Salvation Army or American Red Cross to help you find temporary shelter. 

4. Hire a Disaster Clean-Up Service 

Get in touch with a disaster clean-up company in your area. They’ll provide you with an additional assessment report and repair estimate, allowing you to compare it against your insurance company’s. They’ll then remove salvageable belongings, replace damaged building materials, and remove smoke odors to restore your home.

If you experience a house fire, call Solid Management Disaster & Restoration Services for assistance. They provide disaster clean-up and recovery following fires, floods, and mold infestations in the Pagosa Springs, CO, area. Call (970) 946-4561 to get a quote on home restoration or emergency home repairs. Visit the website to learn more about how they can make your property clean and inhabitable again.