Final Checklist
After a Fire Strikes
The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strikes:
The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strikes:
- Ask the Fire Department to contact the American Red Cross if you need temporary housing, and other assistance. The Fire Department will normally ask you if you need this type of assistance before they leave the scene.
- If you are insured, contact your insurance company as soon as possible for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance.
- Check with the Fire Department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.
- The Fire Department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
- Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. Coordinate these efforts with your insurance company.
- Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on replacing documents and records.
- If you leave your home, contact the local Police Department to let them know the site will be unoccupied.
- Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed for income tax purposes.
- Notify your mortgage company of the fire.
- Check with an accountant or the Internal Revenue Service about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss.