About PDF Download After the Fire! Returning to Normal (PDF, 140 Kb, 16 Pages)This 16-page booklet provides information on recovering from a fire, including what to do during the first 24 hours, insurance considerations, valuing your property, replacement of valuable documents, salvage hints, fire department operations, and more. After the Fire! Returning […]

Common Questions Why are windows broken or holes cut in the roof? As a fire burns, it moves upward then outward. Breaking the windows and/or cutting holes in the roof (called ventilation) slows the damaging outward movement, helps remove blinding smoke that obscures the actual fire, and enables firefighters to fight the fire more efficiently. […]

Navigate This Page Clothing Cooking Utensils Electrical Appliances Food Rugs and Carpets Leather and Books Locks and Hinges Walls, Floors and Furniture Wood Furniture Money Replacement Tax Information Professional fire and water damage restoration businesses may be the best source of cleaning and restoring your personal belongings. Companies offering this service can be located in […]

Here is a check list of documents you will need to replace if they have been destroyed, and who to contact for information on the replacement process. ITEM WHO TO CONTACT Driver’s license, Auto registration Department of motor vehicles Bank books (checking, savings, etc.) Your bank, as soon as possible Insurance policies Your insurance agent […]

You will encounter different viewpoints on the value of your property in adjusting your fire loss or in claiming a casualty loss on your federal income tax. Knowing the following terms will help you understand the process used to determine the value of your fire loss: Your personal valuation: Your personal loss of goods through […]

Your recovery from a fire loss may be based upon your own resources and help from your community. Private organizations that may be sources of aid or information: American Red Cross Salvation Army religious organizations department of social services civic organizations state or municipal emergency services office non-profit crisis counseling centers

Give notice of the loss to the insurance company or the insurer’s agent/company. Ask the insurance company what to do about the immediate needs of the dwelling, such as covering doors, windows, and other exposed areas, and pumping out water. Ask your insurance agent/company what actions are required of you. Some policyholders may be required […]

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, to help with your immediate needs, such as: temporary housing food medicine eyeglasses clothing other essential items Contact your insurance agent/company. Cautions!!! Do not enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. Normally, the fire department […]