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Many of people don’t think that they would ever encounter unfortunate circumstances or accidents. Unfortunately, many of us will run across one if not more in our lifetime. Nothing is more devastating for an individual or family though, than a house fire. House fires can happen to anyone at any time and are life threatening. The most common causes of house fires are cooking-related, electrical, heaters, smoking, and candles. Even if you do everything right, there are some things that are out of your control. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a house fire, there are some things that you need to do to protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Call Emergency Services

The first thing to do after you evacuate is to call 9-1-1. Dispatch will ask a few questions and send first responders your way. Firefighters will come to your home to extinguish the fire as efficiently as possible in hopes of the least amount of damage to your home. EMTs may accompany the firefighters to help anyone that needs medical attention. 

Contact Family and Friends

House fires can cause panic to those close to you that have heard the news, and may cause them to wonder if you are safe. if you are able to, notify them to let them know that you are okay. Find family members or friends to stay with during this traumatic time until you are able to get into contact with your insurance. Even if the fire was a small one, you will want to stay somewhere else until it is deemed structurally safe and the soot and smoke are properly cleaned out of the air and the vents. 

Get in Contact with Your Insurance

Call your insurance agent or insurance company to start an insurance claim on your home. They will ask for information pertaining to the fire and damage to the home. They will be able to give you the next steps that you should take in the process. Your insurance agent will be the one to help you get your home restored by working with a restoration company such as Tobin Restoration to work out the logistics of payment and what needs to be done. 

Secure Your Property

Once the fire is extinguished, you will want to secure your property from further damage from people or the elements. This means that you will need to find a company to come and board up your home including windows, doors, and any other openings. If there are holes in the roofs or walls, plywood or tarps should be used to close them up to prevent further damage from the weather. 

Find a Restoration Company

After your home is secure, you will need to reach out to restoration companies to figure out who will work with your insurance, has a good reputation, and works in a timely manner. The restoration company will be in charge of getting your home back to its previous condition or even better. Tobin Restoration is an excellent choice to help get your home back after a house fire. Who you choose matters, be sure that you choose someone you can trust with your home!