A house fire is a homeowner's worst nightmare. If you've recently experienced one, you may be unsure of what to do next. Here are the four steps you can take to pick up the pieces and move forward after experiencing fire damage to your home.

4 Steps to Take After a House Fire 

1. Notify Your Insurance Provider

Most homeowners insurance policies cover fire damage, so call your provider as soon as possible to start the claims process. This will enable you to get the resources you need to recover. Many policies include some coverage for daily living expenses. These may include lodging if you need to stay at a hotel or rental until your home is habitable again, as well as factors like food or restaurant bills.

2. Schedule an Inspection

Your insurance company will ask for a detailed report of the fire damage, which you can get from the fire department. It should document which parts of the home were affected, the type and degree of damage, and the potential cause of the fire.

You should also schedule an inspection with a fire restoration company. They will ensure the home is safe and that there are no active electrical components that may create a shock or pipes with gas leaks, which could cause another blaze. They will also check the structural stability of the home.

3. Document Losses

Once the home is safe to enter, go through the property and document all of your losses. These will include valuables, appliances, heirlooms, and personal items. You should also include as much detailed information about the items as possible, including make, model, and serial numbers, if applicable. A fire damage restoration company may be able to recover some of these items, but others will be a total loss. Your homeowners insurance should cover some or all of the cost.

4. Tend to Your Needs

Make sure you and your family have a place to stay if it is not safe to enter your home right away. Additionally, you should tend to your emotional needs. House fires can be traumatic, and it is essential to recognize this and cope with it in a healthy way so you and your loved ones can move forward. Counseling services may be helpful, particularly if you experienced significant losses.
 

If you’re in need of fire damage restoration in the Russellville, AR, area, turn to Arkansas Restoration Services Inc. This local company has proudly served Pope, Yell, Conway, and Johnson counties for more than 30 years. From water damage mitigation to mold removal and fire damage restoration, they provide a range of services to help you get back on your feet after a disaster. Call (479) 967-2018 to speak with a helpful staff member about how they can help you, or visit their website to learn more about what they do.