When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned around. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to begin and who to contact. We’ve provided some resources and some good to know information that can ease the process. The link below is a downloadable booklet of all the information provided on this page
What to do within the first 24 hours
Contact the local disaster relief association such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army for immediate needs such as:
- temporary housing
- food
- medicine
- eyeglasses
- clothing
- other essential items
Salvation Army:
- 313 W Cunningham St, Butler, PA 16001
(724) 287-5532
Contact your insurance company
- Begin saving any receipts related to fire loss from money spent to provide to your insurance company
Cautions:
- Do not enter the damaged area. A fire could rekindle from hidden still smoldering remains
- The Fire Department will assure that all utilities are either shut off or in working condition, do not attempt to do so yourself.
- Look for structural damage, flooring and roofs may be likely to collapse from compromises
- perishable items [food, medicines, or beverages] exposed to heat should not be used and should be disposed of.
- It may be necessary to board up openings to discourage trespassers.
If the property is deemed safe to do so, try to locate the following:
- identification, such as driver’s licenses and Social Security cards
- insurance information
- medication information
- eyeglasses,hearing aids or other prosthetic devices
- valuables, such as credit cards, bank books, cash and jewelry
Whom you should notify of temporary relocation:
- your insurance agent/company
- your mortgage company (also inform them of the fire)
- your family and friends
- your employer
- your child’s school
- your post office
- any delivery services
- your fire and police departments
- our utility companies
Replacing Documents & Records:
Here is a check list of documents you will need to replace if they have been destroyed, and who to contact for information on the replacement process.
ITEM | WHO TO CONTACT |
---|---|
Driver’s license, Auto registration | Department of motor vehicles |
Bank books (checking, savings, etc.) | Your bank, as soon as possible |
Insurance policies | Your insurance agent |
Military discharge papers | Department of Veterans Affairs |
Passports | Passport service |
Birth, death and marriage certificates | Bureau of Records in the appropriate state |
Divorce papers | Circuit court where decree was issued |
Social Security or Medicare cards | Local Social Security office |
Credit cards | The issuing companies, as soon as possible |
Titles to deeds | Records department of the localityin which the property is located |
Stocks and bonds | Issuing company or your broker |
Wills | Your lawyer |
Medical records | Your doctor |
Warranties | Issuing company |
Income tax records | The IRS Center where filed or your accountant |
Citizenship papers | U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service |
Prepaid burial contract | Issuing company |
Animal registration papers | Humane Society |
Mortgage papers | Lending institution |