Experiencing a house fire is a traumatic experience for anyone to go through. While the immediate concern is ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones, calling 911, and leaving the house, it is also crucial to take steps to mitigate damage after a house fire no matter the size.
In fact, it’s required by your insurance policy to take every necessary action to prevent further damage, and ignoring this may harm your claim. No need to stress, our team of adjusters here at Liberty Adjusters will outline the necessary steps to take to prevent further damage and get your life back on track.
Call a Public Adjuster
By contacting a public adjuster first, you can ensure that your interests are protected and that you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies or other service providers who may not have your best interests in mind.
Although most homeowners think filing a claim is the first step, you should have the guidance of someone with experience in filing claims in order to get the maximum payout. Liberty Adjusters can help!
Call a Remediation Company
A remediation or restoration company specializes in cleaning up the aftermath of property damage, such as a house fire or flood. They will know how to handle the damage in the safest and most effective way.
If you’re unsure of whom you should call, Liberty Adjusters can help! While we may not be a restoration company, however, we can direct you to one of our trusted partners while we take care of your claim.
Remove Any Fabric or Porous Furniture
If the fire was small, the house is safe to enter, and the smoke has cleared, you should take action to remove any fabric or porous furniture from your home. This includes things like carpets, curtains, and upholstered furniture.
Soot smoke can penetrate these materials and cause permanent damage, so it's best to get them out of the house as soon as possible and let them air out. You should also remove any clothing as soot is notoriously hard to remove.
Ventilate the Area
Windows and doors should be wide open to help ventilate the area. This will assist with clearing out any remaining smoke and prevent it from settling into your walls and other surfaces. You can also use fans to help circulate the air and speed up the ventilation process.
Box fans are best used facing outward of a window, helping pull air directly out of the house.
Don’t Ignore Your Duty After Loss
As a homeowner, your insurance policy expects you to protect your property from further damage. This means taking steps to mitigate any damage caused by the fire, such as the steps discussed above. Many homeowners leave the scene without taking any further precautions, but if damage occurs after the fire, it may not be covered by your insurance if it was preventable.
To learn more about duty after loss, watch the video below:
Liberty Adjusters Will Help Your Claim Succeed!
Mitigating damage after a house fire is essential to getting your life back on track. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can help prevent further damage and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve.
If you have experienced a house fire or other property damage, call our experts at Liberty Insurance Adjusters before filing your claim. We will walk you through the filing process, and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
Give us a call today at 813-922-5129!