As we've seen with the devastating fires in Los Angeles, when a home has a fire, being prepared ahead of time, and knowing exactly what to do after a fire can make a huge difference when it comes to insurance claims and repairs.
Hi, we are Bishop Builders, a general contractor and restoration specialist is Dallas, Fort Worth, and the greater North Texas region. The threat of fire can come quickly, and we want to share what we've learned in our 30 years of experience with home damage restoration in Texas to help you prepare if a fire should threaten your property.
Want to Jump Ahead? Outline of this Article
First Things First: What to Do to Prepare Your Family
When facing the potential threat of wildfires, being well-prepared can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of yourself, your family, and your pets. Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to get ready for an evacuation:
Family Emergency Plan:
Gather your family members and discuss your evacuation plan. Designate meeting spots both inside and outside your neighborhood, and ensure everyone has a copy of important phone numbers.
Communication Strategy:
Decide on a reliable communication method, such as group texts or a messaging app. This will help you stay connected even if cell networks become congested.
Emergency Kit Essentials:
Assemble a comprehensive emergency kit. Include items like bottled water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, prescription medications, personal hygiene items, extra clothing, blankets, and a multi-tool.
Important Documents:
Gather crucial documents in a waterproof container. This should include identification, insurance policies, medical records, birth certificates, passports, and any legal documents you may need.
Pet Preparedness:
If you have pets, pack their necessities too. Include food, water, medications, leashes, carriers, and any important veterinary records.
Map Out Routes:
Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes. Have physical maps available in case GPS systems fail or you lose internet access.
Protect Your Home:
Trim any overhanging branches and clear away dead vegetation around your property. Close windows and doors to minimize the risk of embers entering your home.
Get Ahead of Insurance Claims: Document Your Possessions
When a storm, fire, or unexpected event hits your home, dealing with insurance claims can be tough. One of the best ways to make the process smoother is by keeping a detailed record of your possessions. Here are some simple tips on how to document your belongings, so you’re prepared and can get the help you need without any headaches.
1. The Importance of Documentation
A thorough inventory of your possessions serves as a bridge between loss and recovery. This documentation provides tangible evidence of the items you owned and their value, making it easier for your insurance company to assess the extent of your losses.
2. Creating a Comprehensive List
Begin by creating a comprehensive list of all your belongings. This includes furniture, electronics, clothing, jewelry, appliances, and even smaller items like kitchen utensils and decor. List any details possible such as the brand, when you purchased it, and if you can a model or serial number. Assign a value to each item.
3. Take Photographs and Videos
Accompany your written inventory with photographs and videos. Capture images of each item from multiple angles, ensuring that distinctive features are documented. These visual records serve as powerful evidence of ownership and condition.
4. Keep Receipts and Proof of Purchase
Whenever possible, include receipts, invoices, or proof of purchase especially for big ticket items. These documents provide additional evidence of ownership and the value you've assigned to your belongings.
5. Regular Updates
Your inventory isn't a static document—update it regularly. When you make a new purchase, just jot it down in your inventory.
Creating a detailed inventory of your possessions requires time and effort, but it will you will thank us if you have an insurance claim. By providing a list of your belongings, this will give you a straight forward way to prove to your insurance company exactly what you had and what they should pay you to replace.
The Nitty-Gritty Details About Fire Damage (Things Homeowners Probably Don't Know)
When a fire hits your home, the visible damage is just the start. Being aware of these hidden issues can help you tackle the recovery process more effectively. If you’ve experienced fire damage, Bishop Builders is here to guide you through each step, ensuring your home is safe and restored properly.
Here are some things you might not realize and need to consider when navigating your insurance claim.
Hidden Structural Damage
Even if your home looks okay on the outside, the fire can weaken the framework. Metals and wood might lose their strength, making parts of your home unsafe until they're fixed.
Smoke and Soot Damage
Smoke can penetrate walls, ceilings, and furniture, leaving behind tough stains and lingering odors. Soot can damage surfaces and contaminate your belongings, requiring thorough cleaning or replacement.
Water Damage from Firefighting
Firefighters use a lot of water to put out flames, which can lead to additional water damage. If not dried out quickly, this moisture can cause mold to grow. This not only damages your home but can also pose health risks to your family.
Electrical System Issues
Fire can damage your electrical wiring and appliances, creating safety hazards. It’s crucial to have a professional check your electrical systems before using them again.
Impact on Air Quality
Fire releases harmful particles into the air, affecting indoor air quality. Using air purifiers and ensuring proper ventilation can help restore a healthy environment in your home. TCDDs are a group of HIGHLY toxic chemicals belonging to the dioxin family and are created when things burn, namely plastics and petroleum products.
One of the EPA's "dirty dozen" they can be distributed by smoke to an entire building. These chemicals are federally regulated and federal law dictates the handling of contaminated materials. Any material found to contain dioxins must be disposed of in regulated containment centers.
Liquidated Demands
This provision in fire insurance policies ensures that in the event of a total loss caused by fire to the insured property the insurance company must fulfill the claim and PAY THE FULL AMOUNT stated in the policy without ANY negotiation over the compensation amount. If the presence of contaminated materials are detected it is very possible you have a total loss.
Navigating Insurance Claims After a Fire
Once the smoke clears and the flames are out, your recovery journey begins. Handling insurance claims after a fire is a key step to getting your life back on track. It can be tricky and stressful, but with the right information and approach, you can make the process smoother. Let’s go over some tips and steps to help you navigate insurance claims after a fire.
1. Prompt Communication
Once it’s safe, give your insurance company a call to start your claim. Getting in touch right away helps them assess the damage and figure out the next steps to get you back on your feet.
2. Documenting Damage
Take plenty of photos and videos to document the damage. Snap wide shots to show the whole picture and close-ups to highlight specific areas. These visuals are key evidence for your insurance claim.
3. Reporting Details
When providing information about the damage, be accurate and thorough. Include details about the affected areas, the condition of your belongings, and any structural damage. The more comprehensive your report, the more accurate your compensation can be.
4. Communication with Your Insurer
Keep detailed records of all communication with your insurance company. This includes emails, phone calls, and written correspondence. These records can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a clear timeline of your interactions.
5. Obtain Official Documents
Obtain copies of official documents related to your claim, including the claim number, adjuster's contact information, and the terms of your policy. These documents provide clarity and serve as reference points throughout the claims process.
6. Meeting with the Adjuster
Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage in person. Prepare for this meeting by providing the documentation you've gathered and being ready to answer any questions they may have. You can also hire a public adjuster to act as your representative with the insurance company.
7. Understanding Your Policy
Thoroughly review your insurance policy to understand the coverage and limits it provides. This knowledge will help you set realistic expectations for your claim and ensure you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
8. Patience and Persistence
Navigating insurance claims is a process that requires patience and persistence. There may be delays and challenges along the way, but staying proactive and persistent can help ensure your claim is handled efficiently.
9. Seeking Professional Help if Needed
If you encounter difficulties or complex situations during the claims process, consider seeking legal or professional assistance. Insurance claims can be intricate, and having an expert on your side can ensure your rights are protected.
Professionals Your Insurance Company May Send Out
When you're sorting out insurance claims after fire or storm damage, your insurance company might send in some experts to evaluate the situation. Knowing who these professionals are and what they do can help you understand the process better. Here’s a quick look at two key players you might encounter: Industrial Hygienists and Forensic Engineers.
Industrial Hygienists
Industrial hygienists role is to ensure a safe restoration and minimizing health impacts. They collect samples of air, dust, and surface materials to test for the presence of hazardous chemicals including dioxins.
Their primary focus is on identifying potential health hazards, and their findings dictate appropriate measures and methods of dealing with contaminated materials which can exist anywhere in the building, not just the area of immediate fire damage.
Forensic Engineers
Forensic engineers assess fire damage by examining the building's structural integrity, identifying fire origins, and assessing the impact of the fire on the building's stability. They apply their expertise to help determine liability and deficiencies. Their findings dictate the method of repair which is necessary to get sufficient coverage with insurance claims.
Bishop Builders is Here to Help
Recovering from a home fire is never easy, but having the right support can make all the difference. At Bishop Builders, we understand the challenges you’re facing and are here to help you navigate insurance claims and restore your North Texas home with care and expertise. With over 30 years of experience, we work closely with professionals like Industrial Hygienists and Forensic Engineers to ensure your home is safe and properly rebuilt.
Need assistance with fire damage restoration or navigating your insurance claim? Reach out to Bishop Builders today, and let us help you get your home back to its best.
