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What To Do After The Fire
- Make contact with family members to let them know you are safe. Provide contact information, including cell phone number and e-mail. If a business was destroyed, contact fellow employees and the employer and provide the same information. Also contact your insurance agent or company and advise them of the loss (preferably in writing after making a phone call).
- If your home or business was totally destroyed, contact the United States Postal Service with a change of address notification. Also, contact your telephone company and forward calls to a new phone number.
- Many homeowners' policies and business policies pay temporary living or business interruption expenses for customers forced to evacuate because of wildfires. Save receipts for expenses such as lodging or meals or the case of businesses, the receipts for expenses necessary to maintain or transact business. Some insurers will provide payments in advance for a couple of weeks under certain circumstances.
- Review your insurance policies. If you cannot locate them, contact your insurance agent and request a certified true copy.
- Some insurance policies may cover the cost of repairing or replacing the home or premises where the business operates, as well as its contents. Although a deductible may apply, prepare a comprehensive list of all items damaged or destroyed. Be as detailed as possible. The more information you have about damage – a description, date of purchase and what it would cost to replace or repair – the better.
- Photograph extensively the building or home that was damaged. Also take extensive photographs of all personal property (movables) that was damaged.
- Consider hiring a contractor and other experts to determine the full extent of the damage.
- Consider making temporary repairs to protect the property from further damage. Save receipts of what you spend. Do not make extensive permanent repairs until the insurance carrier has been placed on notice of the loss and had an opportunity to make an inspection.
- Beware of contractors who ask for large amounts of money up front. Also, be cautious of contractors offering very low bids. Use licensed, bonded contractors and check references.
- If you have a mortgage on your property, contact your lender about mortgage relief programs following disasters.
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If you think your business or home may have been damaged or destroyed by fire, you should consider the following:
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