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What
to do after a Fire
What can you do when there is a
fire?
The following are some steps that you can take before we arrive.
However, always adhere to the recommendations of your fire department
or other responding agencies—your health and safety are more
important than your possessions. Please do not take any unnecessary
risks.
1. Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible.
Most companies have a toll-free call center to take your information.
Or you can always report the loss to your agent.
2. If you must turn off your water, take steps to prevent your plumbing
and/or heating supply pipes from freezing.
3. If you have lost power and it is safe to do so, remove perishable
foods from your refrigerator and freezer. The odor created by spoiled
food is usually impossible to remove.
4. Keep a listing of anything you have discarded and receipts
for
any expenses you incur in protecting your property. Most likely, your
insurance claim representative will ask for these items.
5. If you must relocate, even temporarily, give your insurance company
a phone number where you can be reached.
How can you
help?
You’ve
suffered a fire and smoke loss, and you’ve already taken the
next
step to deal with it by checking out our website. Here are some
important things for you to know to get back on track and face your
claim more confidently.
* Appliances/Electronics: Do not use any TV, stereo or electronic
appliances until they have been checked by a technician. If the
electricity is off, empty your refrigerator/freezer completely and prop
the doors open with a rolled towel.
* Carpets: Vacuum loose dry soot smoke particles from carpets. Make
sure the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter to prevent redistribution of
fine soot. Avoid walking or tracking on carpet if possible. Do not use
“do-it-yourself” home carpet cleaners.
* Ceilings/Walls: Do not wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or other
absorbent surfaces.
* Doors: Close doors on affected areas to localize smoke odors as much
as possible.
* Food Items: Do not consume food items exposed to smoke or canned
goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
* Furnace: Change the furnace or air conditioner filter if the blower
is operating. Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with
masking tape.
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