After The Fire

Recovering from a fire can be a physically and mentally draining process. When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and whom to contact. 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) United States Fire Administration (USFA) has gathered the following information to assist you in this time of need. Action on some of the suggestions will need to be taken immediately. Some may be needed in the future while others may be on going. The purpose of this information is to give you the assistance you need as you begin rebuilding your life.

The First 24 Hours 

Securing yourself and the site 
Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army to help with your immediate needs, such as: 
- temporary housing
- food
- medicine
- eyeglasses
- clothing
- other essential items

Contact your insurance agent or company! 

Cautions 
- Do not enter the damaged site. Fires can rekindle from hidden, smoldering remains. A member of the Lumpkin County Fire & Emergency Services will accompany you while fire units are on the scene. This can be coordinated through the incident commander.

- 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.

- Be watchful for structural damage caused by the fire. 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. 

Leaving Your Home
- Contact your local police department to let them know the site will be unoccupied. The Lumpkin County Fire Department can assist you with this.

- In some cases it may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers.

- Beginning immediately, save receipts for any money you spend. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company what money you have spent related to your fire loss and also for verifying losses claimed on your income tax. 

 If it is safe to do so, try to locate the following items: 

- Identification, such as drivers license and Social Security Cards/passports
- Insurance information
- Medical information
- Eyeglasses, hearing aids or prosthetics
- Valuables such as credit cards, bank books, cash and jewelry 

There are many people and entities that should be notified of your relocation, including: 

- Your insurance agent/company
- Your mortgage company (inform them of the fire)
- Your family and friends
- Your employer 
- Your child's school
- Your post office
- Any delivery services
- Your fire and police departments
- Your utility companies 

Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. All damages are taken into consideration in developing your insurance claim. 

If you are considering contracting for inventory or repair services discuss your plans with your insurance agent/company first. 

If you're insured

Give notice of the loss to the insurance company or the insurer’s agent/company.

Ask the insurance company what to do about the immediate needs of the dwelling, such as covering doors, windows, and other exposed areas, and pumping out water.

Ask your insurance agent/company what actions are required of you. Some policyholders may be required to make an inventory of damaged personal property showing in detail the quantity, description and amount you paid for the items. 

If you're not insured

Your recover than from a fire loss may be based upon your own resources and help from your community.

Private organizations that may be sources of aid or information:
- American Red Cross  
- Salvation Army  
- Religious organizations 
- Department of social services  
- Civic organizations 
- State or municipal emergency services office  
- Non-profit crisis counseling centers 

 

Be Safe - Not Sorry