Recovering Contents from Fire Damage

Our team understands that after a fire, the loss extends beyond just the structure—it reaches every item that makes a space feel like home or a business function seamlessly. We aid in creating a detailed content inventory of all affected items, ensuring nothing is overlooked. With this comprehensive list in hand, we then provide a rigorous evaluation to insurance carriers. This allows us to advocate for our clients to obtain full reimbursement for each content item. Our commitment is to secure recovery, not just from the structural loss, but from the personal and operational disruptions the fire may have caused.

Creating Content Inventory

Most homeowners or business owners haven’t prepared a detailed inventory of their possessions before experiencing a substantial loss — and that’s perfectly understandable. Our team excels in employing innovative methods to assist in assembling a thorough inventory. Below are some strategies and suggestions we offer our clients following a major fire incident:

- - Retain damaged items, or parts of them, until our team can conduct a complete inspection and documentation.
  - Review any past photographs or videos from your property; they might showcase valuable content present at the time of the loss.
  - Schedule a session to discuss the contents of each room and area of your property with your assigned client specialist. As you recall items, our team handles the documentation.
  - We help in retrieving purchase records from vendors and establishments where you’ve bought items.

Replacing Vital Documents

While our team is committed to assisting with a wide range of post-loss concerns, we cannot directly help in replacing personal identification and essential documents. However, we are more than happy to guide you in the right direction to secure replacements. Below is a handy list detailing where you can obtain replacements for various vital documents:

Vital documents	Where to get a replacement
Drivers License or State Id	Local Department of Motor Vehicles
Government Id	Locate your nearest Real-Time Automated Personnel Identification System (RAPIDS) site
Military Discharge Papers	Department of Veterans Affairs 1-800-827-1000
Passports	State Department—Passport Services 1-202-955-0430
Birth, Death, and Marriage Certificates	Appropriate State Bureau of Records
Social Security or Medicare Cards	Local Social Security Office 1-800-772-1213
Credit Cards	Mastercard & Visa: Contact the issuing financial institution American Express: 1-800-441-0519 Discover: 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683)
Titles to Deeds	Records department of the area/county in which the property is located
Stocks and Bonds	Issuing company or your broker
Wills	Attorney or probate court where the will was filed
Income Tax Records	Internal Revenue Services (IRS): 1-800-829-1040 Accountant
Citizenship Papers	Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services: 1-800-375-5283
Mortgage Papers	Lending Institution

Cleaning & Removing Smoke Odor

Assistance might be available to help clean and eliminate smoke odors from items affected by the fire. This depends on the specifics of your insurance policy and the capabilities of your mitigation service provider. To make things easier for you, we’ve shared a few helpful hints to support the cleanup procedure when recovering contents from fire damage:

- - Follow the health guidance from first responders to the fire and mitigation team on the safe cleanup of fire ash, protective clothing and use of masks.
  - People often use a cleaning agent containing tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) to reduce odors in fabrics. You can find it under its generic name or specific brand names, available in different formats such as sprays, liquids, or powders. We recommend reading the label for further information and safety instructions, as well as testing any garments or fabrics prior to utilizing.
  - Clean kitchenware or appliances with soap and water, rinse, and then polish them.

After Damage Occurs

After a fire wreaks havoc on a property, be it residential or commercial, the cascade of emotions can be overwhelming. The gamut of emotions — from shock and disbelief to grief and anger — can be overwhelming. It’s not uncommon for individuals to grapple with memory issues, anxiety, or depression following such a significant loss. In these trying times, your primary focus should be on emotional recovery and the well-being of everyone directly impacted by the loss. Our team steps in to shoulder the burdens of the logistical aftermath, ensuring you can dedicate your energy to healing and rebuilding emotionally.

Document Loss Information

In the aftermath of a fire, it’s essential to record pivotal details related to the incident. Key information includes the exact date of the fire, the non-emergency number for the fire department, the official report number, and the name of the fire marshal or investigator in charge. Having these particulars on hand can be instrumental during the claim process. Refer to our Fire Checklist for a complete list of key information to obtain after a fire loss occurs.

Secure Immediate Assistance

Whether it’s due to structural concerns, smoke contamination, or utility interruptions, the immediate aftermath can make it challenging, if not impossible, to continue daily operations or live comfortably. Securing immediate assistance is crucial, as it facilitates temporary relocations, ensures safety, and lays the groundwork for the recovery process. Taking prompt action helps in minimizing disruptions and ensures a more efficient path to restoration. A great resource for immediate assistance will be your local American Red Cross, as most chapters have a rapid response on getting you food, clothing, medicine, and places to stay.

Track Every Expense: Additional Living Expense Reimbursement

Every receipt matters. Ensure you maintain a record of all expenses incurred due to displacement after a fire loss. Traditionally insurance policies have Additional Living Expense coverage that can be reimbursed. During our review of your policy, we can provide a clear understanding of the limits of this coverage for you.

Engage Premier Claims

In the wake of fire damage, dealing with insurance claims can be a daunting and time-consuming task, diverting attention from crucial recovery needs. By engaging with our team, property owners can prioritize their emotional and physical well-being, and continue with their daily routines. Our team steps in to navigate the claim process, ensuring all aspects are handled professionally and thoroughly. Trust in our expertise, and offload the complexities of claims, allowing you to focus on healing and restoring your peace of mind.

Mitigate Further Damage

Insurance policies typically mandate that policyholders take necessary steps to prevent additional damage. Adhering to this obligation is not only essential for the integrity of the property but also for ensuring compliance with policy terms. Our team offers access to a network of seasoned mitigation professionals who specialize in post-fire cleanup and damage prevention. We actively manage this process, diligently tracking and compiling all associated expenses, aiming to ensure we account for every cost, and facilitating a seamless reimbursement process with the insurance carrier.

Navigating Fire Damage: Recovering Contents