What to do when your property catches fire?

No one thinks a fire will happen to their property, but in reality, there are over 1 million fires every year in the United States alone. When a fire strikes your home or business, it can be overwhelming and distressing to know what to do next. Knowing what to do in this situation is crucial in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and minimizing the damage done to your property. Here are some important steps to take when your property catches fire.

1. Call the fire department.

The first thing you should do when a fire starts is to call the fire department. It's important to get help as quickly as possible to prevent the spread of the fire. If you're not sure how to reach the fire department, call 911 and they will connect you to the appropriate emergency services.

2. Evacuate the building.

Your safety should always come first in a fire. If the fire is small and contained, you may be able to put it out yourself with a fire extinguisher. However, if the fire is large or spreading, it's essential to evacuate your property immediately.

3. Call your insurance company.

After you've made sure everyone is safe and the fire department is on its way, you should call your insurance company. They'll need to know the details of what's happened so they can assist you with making a claim. If you have a public insurance claims adjuster in South Florida, contact them right away to schedule a free inspection and consultation.

4. Document the damage.

Once the fire has been extinguished, take photos and document the damage to your property. This can help your insurance company assess the damage and process your claim as quickly as possible. If you have a public insurance claims adjuster in South Florida, they can help you through this process as well.

5. Secure your property.

After a fire, your property may be vulnerable to theft or further damage from the elements. Make sure you secure your property as much as possible, whether it's boarding up broken windows or tarping damaged roofs.

Conclusion

A fire in your home or business can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what to do can help ease the stress and prevent further damage to your property. If you've experienced a fire, make sure you call the fire department, evacuate the building, call your insurance company, document the damage, and secure your property. And if you need assistance with your insurance claim, contact a public insurance claims adjuster in South Florida like Five Star Claims Adjusting to get you the help you need.