Experiencing a Fire Loss in East Asheville, NC

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Experiencing a Fire Loss in East Asheville, NC

Going through the experience of a house fire is a tragic and stressful event. After survival and assuring the irreplaceable hasn’t been lost like life, there are many considerations and steps to be made. Causes of home fires, the various types of damage, the monetary lost, the livability of the home, and special considerations for the Asheville NC or Alexander NC area should be thought out. Having a plan already established and preparation for the aftermath of the horrifying event will help make the transition to normal living much smoother.

Handling a house fire in Asheville NC can be an overwhelming task and it’s a tragedy that should be wished on no one. One of the initial steps to dealing with this mayhem is to help prevent it from happening in the first place. Being aware of the most common causes of house fires can avoid an unfortunate accident from happening. Cooking in the kitchen is one of the most common reasons house fires start. Leaving heating pots and pans unattended and forgetting about them has happened to many, but this mistake can lead to a home fire. Portable heaters that are too close to furniture or other flammable material is another large contributor to residential fires. The biggest cause of house fire fatalities is smoking in the bedroom and falling asleep. Candles, electrical equipment, wiring, and mischievous kids are also big contributing factors to home fires. Just as Smokey the Bear advises the public that they are the only ones that can prevent forest fires, the homeowner is also the biggest aid in prevention of a house fire.

After safety takes priority in the event of a home fire, dealing with the immediate aftermath should take precedent. After the house has been evacuated, do not re-enter the home for anything. Even if the property looks safe in a certain portion of the home, don’t go in. It is possible that the fire isn’t extinguished, an explosion may take place, roofs can collapse, floors might cave in, or other unexpected chaos can take place. Additionally, do not attempt to crank any vehicle that was exposed to any of the house fire damage as this is potentially very dangerous.

Contacting the proper authorities and other vital phone calls should be the next plan of action. Calling 911 for the fire department and ambulance if necessary is vital. Be descriptive with the 911 operator and listen carefully to their instructions after first responders come. The next phone call should be to the insurance company for the home. Contacting family members and other love ones to notify them that everyone is fine and accounted for will also lessen any confusion and unnecessary stress.

Everyone should seek medical attention if there is any injury from burns or smoke inhalation. Also, this is a traumatic event to go through mentally and if a professional is needed to assist with emotional trauma, this help should be prioritized as well.

Others to contact in a timely fashion, but not necessarily immediately include the post office, bank, utility companies, bill collectors, the Social Security Administration, employers, and a neighbor. This will help a smooth transition after the chaos. For assistance with food, clothes, medication, shelter, and other things lost in the fire, contacting the American Red cross and other charitable organizations can be a life saver. Before considering a shelter, evaluating finances to see if a hotel is possible or contacting family and friends for accommodations may be more preferable.

Be prepared to fill out a fire report to document everything known about the fire. It can not be emphasized enough that one should file your insurance claim right away. This promotes an adjuster being sent in a timely manner and the claim being approved under the respective applicable policy. Keeping track of expenses and receipts for items purchased to replace losses in the fire is a good idea in case it’s covered by the insurance policy.

After the home has been cleared to enter by the fire professionals, one should recover as many valuable personal possessions as possible. Items that are salvageable may have monetary or sentimental value and those that are not should still be inventoried for insurance purposes.

Residents in Asheville and Alexander of North Carolina are as susceptible to home fires as anyone else in the country. The mountainous terrain of the North Carolina area could promote fires or delay emergency personnel response time. Also, the terrain and wilderness surrounding this area could be prone to wild fires that present a different risk for home fires compared to ones that start inside the home.

The various types of damage that occur to a home during a fire should all be considered when determining if the house is fixable and livable. Everything from the fire, to water damage from fire, to smoke damage, to soot damage, to bad air quality can be affecting the property. Damage by fire is the most obvious and prevalent normally. A fire contained to a single room should have minimal overall damage, but proper care should go into replacing burnt material. A home with extensive damage throughout the structure will likely not be salvageable and building or purchasing a new home may be necessary. Water damage from fire and mold damage often occurs from the firefighters combating the fire with the water hoses. Smoke damage and soot damage will be an after effect of the fire and will affect the air quality and smell of the home along with the appearance of the soot. Smoke and soot should be properly addressed and neutralized before thinking about moving back into a home after a fire.

There are many things to consider when the victim of a house fire in Asheville or Alexander NC. Livelihood, safety, and loved ones are the first things to come to mind and then doing everything to promote life going on. Contacting emergency personnel and the insurance company immediately will help minimize the actual fire damage and to get compensated and back to life as soon as possible. Hopefully, one will never be in this situation, however it’s best to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Visit http://www.SERVPROashevilleeast.com for more information on fire damage.