A fire in your home is a devastating experience. Not only does it ravage your treasured belongings, but it will also leave you in a state of upheaval as you try to rebuild. There are a few steps to take, from calling insurance to researching furniture restoration, that will help you get back on your feet. Here are five to remember.

What to Do After a House Fire

1. Find a Temporary Residence

After being displaced from a house fire, it is vital to find a temporary residence. Especially if you have children and pets, you want a place to stay that will be comfortable during a stressful, scary time. Hotels, family, friends, and even shelters provided by the American Red Cross or other helpful organizations will do.

2. Call Insurance

Be sure to call your insurance company as quickly as you can to file a claim. This will speed up the process of repairing your home, finding a new home, or calling for furniture restoration for salvageable pieces. Some carriers also help with cleaning and abatement services and can guide you in replacing critical documents like titles, birth certificates, and drivers’ licenses.

3. Restore Your Furniture

There may be furniture that suffers damage, but not so much that it is a complete loss. Furniture restoration services can assess how the fire affected pieces and repair them to their original state. Choosing this route can also help you feel more comfortable in your temporary or new space. Seeing familiar, favorite chairs, tables, and bed frames will make it feel like home.

4. Figure Out Money

Your regular monthly bills, unfortunately, do not stop after a fire. Assess what funds you have to cover essentials like car payments and to replace lost items like clothing, and cancel services such as the Internet and television, especially if you won’t be in the space for a while. Your insurance may offer reimbursement for some items, but you will most likely need proof of purchase, such as receipts.

5. Check Your Property

Wait for the fire marshal to tell you it is safe to return, especially if there is extensive structural damage, but visiting the property when it is secure will help you recover items that can be saved. If your home is going to be repaired, periodically checking in will help you plan your life post-fire.

If your home has been devastated by fire, and you need furniture restoration to salvage some of your most cherished pieces, Tri-County Furniture Restoration can help. For more than 37 years, the furniture repair shop has provided residents and businesses throughout Cincinnati quality offerings, from repairing damaged items to antique restoration. They can even work on pieces for boats and offices or reupholster your favorite items. Call (513) 771-6389 to learn more or visit their website to see before and after images.