By: Joshua Finley

One of the scariest events you can go through is a house fire. It’s unpredictable and deadly. Even if you aren’t at home, you can still lose property, memorabilia, and even pets. If disaster strikes, you’re faced with the unfathomable chore of rebuilding and moving forward. It can be hard knowing what to do next, but read on to uncover steps to take following a house fire.

Immediately Following the Fire

Your first step following a fire is to contact your insurance company. You want to know what they need from you to begin the claim so you can start the process. Most standard home insurance policies cover fire damage. This includes the cost of repairing or rebuilding, replacing damaged items, and temporary living arrangements. 

Next, you’ll want to inspect the damage. Do not enter the home until the inspector clears it as safe. You’ll need to hire a certified inspector to evaluate air quality, structural durability, and plumbing and electrical systems. They’ll identify hazardous materials that may have become exposed or airborne during the fire, like asbestos, lead, or toxic chemicals. 

A fire damage inspector will help you document the state of the home for insurance purposes. They will provide a detailed assessment of the aftermath of the fire. The insurance company will use this comprehensive document to verify what needs to be repaired or replaced. They will then provide you with the financial resources you need to proceed.

Finally, you should secure your property to prevent vandalism following a fire. Board up broken windows and block all doors except one point of entry. Most insurance companies will require this step as a safety precaution.

Clean Up

Cleaning up following a fire is a strenuous process that requires attention to detail. You can choose to hire a professional service to clean up the fire damage, or you can do it yourself. Professional restoration companies have commercial equipment meant to remove soot and water from every area of your home. They can do a thorough job in less time than it would take you. However, you may not want to pay for the service. You may wish to personally handle the clean up on your own. 

One of the biggest problems following a fire is water damage. The very thing that saved your home from complete destruction could wreak havoc afterward. Focus on removing any wet or damp items. Water can lead to mildew and mold, which is dangerous to your health. Rent a sump pump for standing water. Next, dry out the interior, including carpeting, insulation, and drywall. Use a wet-dry vac on the carpet, and then set up dehumidifiers and fans to encourage drying.

You’ll also need to remove residue from smoke and soot. Soot-covered areas should be cleaned with a solution of dishwashing detergent, borax, vinegar, and water. Use a sponge or soft cloth to scrub the surfaces clean and then rinse in clear water. For fabrics, soak in warm water that contains detergent and white vinegar before laundering. 

Even after you’ve cleaned up visible signs of smoke and soot, your house may still have a smoke odor. For minor lingering odors, try wiping down surfaces with vinegar mixed with warm water. Sprinkle your carpet and upholstery with baking soda and let sit. You can vacuum the baking soda up after half an hour to an hour and the odors should disappear, too. Placing activated charcoal around each room can also help absorb odors. If you’re dealing with severe smoke damage, you may need a professional service to address the smell.

Emotional Recovery

A house fire can be a very traumatic experience. It’s important to deal with the psychological impact that affects every member of the household, from toddlers to seniors. Understand the emotional challenges that are the result of losing your belongings. Grieving is a natural part of the process. This is particularly true if you lost items that had personal meaning, such as old photographs, letters, and memorabilia. 

Expect strong emotions from everyone during this time. Allow yourself to feel fear, anger, and loss. Understand that your children may revert back to a previous stage. For instance, potty trained little ones may need diapers again or older children might want to sleep with you at night. You could try creating a remembrance corner where your children can create artwork depicting what they’ve lost. Adults may wish to journal about the experience to help them work through these tough emotions.

You should allow yourself to cry or otherwise release negative emotions, even in front of children. It teaches them that it’s normal to be sad about the losses you’ve all sustained. However, you should also continue to laugh and experience joy in the face of that sorrow. You may think that you should be feeling better by a certain point. But don’t hold yourself to too high of standards. Give yourself time and lower your expectations of where you should be emotionally.

Don’t isolate yourself during this recovery period. There are many options for connecting with others and receiving support. Seek out family and friends who will listen to you describe your experience. Check within your community to see if they offer support groups for individuals who have been through a residential fire. You may want to look into counseling for your family to sort through any overwhelming emotions. There are also online resources and groups that provide advice and support for fire victims. 

Moving Forward After a House Fire

Experiencing a house fire can be daunting, but with a structured approach, you can manage the stress and work involved in restoring your home. It’s important to take immediate steps, such as securing your property and addressing safety concerns. Additionally, focusing on long-term tasks like cleaning and rebuilding is essential. Remember, you don’t have to face this challenge alone; seeking professional assistance for insurance matters, cleanup, and emotional support can be very helpful. While a house fire is undoubtedly a difficult experience, taking the right steps can help you regain control.

Published by: Martin De Juan