Act Quickly To Avoid Secondary Damage

Recovering from a traumatic event such as a fire is often very difficult. The Greater Madawaska Fire Department offers the following information to assist the public in getting back to normal as quickly as possible.

A house fire is devastating. The flames and smoke are gone and now its time to assess the damage and start to salvage, repair and restore your personal belongings. In all likelihood, this was your first experience with this type of personal tragedy. The emotional trauma and destruction of fire leaves behind is not easily forgotten. The Greater Madawaska Fire Department endeavours to provide the benefit of our years of experience and knowledge to assist you in your time of need.

Call Your Insurance Professional

The first thing to do after a fire is to protect yourself from additional losses, under some insurance policies, there is an obligation by the insured to prevent further damage to the property in whatever way is reasonably possible. You have to start with some phone calls – first, and most important, to your insurance professional or company. Major insurance companies have 24-hour hotlines and will generally treat your problem promptly. Ask your insurance company to recommend at least three fire restoration companies. Choose one to start the immediate work – making your house and property secure, removing water and seriously damaged materials, drying the house and contents and removing smoke residue.

Few of us know exactly what our insurance policies cover. Work with your insurance company agent or representative to find out what is covered, what is not covered and what may be subject to further discussion. Get all this in writing as soon as possible; because it will influence what you do and what you put off until later.

Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for notifying all affected parties and arranging for security of the site, rapid drying and smoke cleaning and all other steps needed to minimize secondary damage. To do this you will likely hire a company that specializes in fire restoration. Your insurance company may suggest specific firms with which they have established relationships.

You define the scope of the work, with help from your insurance professional and advice from the contractors you select. Make sure that you know what your insurance will cover and what you will have to pay yourself. Your insurance company calculates what it will pay for according to industry-accepted standards.

Call The Company That Holds Your Mortgage

You have to call the financial institution that holds your mortgage. Fire lowers the value of your house and affects your mortgage. Properly restoring your house will restore its value, but the mortgage company must be involved until your house is restored.

Call The Township Office