What do you do?
Recovering from a fire in your home can be a physically and mentally draining process for you and your family. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned upside down. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) and United States Fire Administration (USFA) and Baytown Fire Department has gathered the following information to assist you in this time of need.
Do not enter the damaged site.
Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. Normally, the fire department will see that utilities (water, electricity and natural gas) are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do NOT attempt to turn on utilities yourself. Roofs and floors may be damaged and subject to collapse. Food, beverages and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed and considered contaminated.
The first 24 hours is probably the most difficult.
Baytown Fire Department can assist by issuing hotel vouchers to fire victims for lodging. As soon as possible, contact the American Red Cross for help with immediate needs such as temporary housing, clothing, etc. Also contact your insurance agent/company as soon as possible and inform them of what has happened.
Securing your home.
Contact the Baytown Police Department to let them know your house has been damaged so they can add it to their extra patrol list for security of your property. Secure your home by boarding up any openings to discourage trespassers. Save all of your receipts to show your insurance company what you have spent and to verify your losses that may be claimed on your income tax.
You may need to notify many people.
In addition to your insurance company, you may need to notify your Mortgage Company, family and friends, your child’s school, your employer, your post office, and any delivery services you may use as well as your utility companies.
Restoring your home.
There are companies that specialize in restoring fire damaged structures and contents. Professional fire and water damage restoration businesses may be the best source of cleaning and restoring your personal belongings. You can do it yourself but it is not easily done. You may damage furniture, clothing items and other personal items trying to get them clean if you don’t know how to do it.
A copy of the fire report, which will be needed by the insurance company, can be obtained from the Baytown Fire Department at 201 E. Wye Drive. A complete list of After The Fire information from Baytown Fire Department and the Federal Emergency Management Agency can also be obtained at the same location. Call Baytown Fire Department at 281-422-2311 for further information and remember that the best way to protect yourself and your family from this kind of disaster is to prevent it from happening.