After the Fire
A fire will change your life in many ways. Knowing where to begin and who can help you is important. Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department hopes you find this information useful as you return to normal.
What to Expect
A fire in your home can cause significant damage. Your home and the belongings in your home may be badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke, and water. Even things that may not appear damaged by the fire may still be ruined by smoke. Anything you want to save or reuse will need to be carefully cleaned.
Fire Department Operations
To fight the fire, firefighters may have broken windows and cut holes in the roof. This is a normal operation to control the growth of a fire and rid the structure of smoke. You may also notice holes in your walls or ceiling to make sure there is no hidden fires present.
After a fire, fire personnel will provide an initial investigation and ask for any information you can provide to assist. It is normal practice that a State Fire Marshal also responds to provide further investigation assistance. During this time, the Fire Department may limit entry into the structure until the cause can be determined.
Fire personnel may also determine a need to return to the structure periodically throughout the day. This periodic visit is to ensure there is no rekindle of the fire and that any remaining hot spots are extinguished.
Returning into the Structure
It is important to understand the risk to your safety and health even after the fire is out. The soot and dirty water left behind will likely be contaminated and could make you sick. In addition, there may be structural compromise to the structure. Check with fire personnel prior to making entry back into your structure to ensure it is safe to do so.
Where Do I Start?
Contact Your Insurance Agent
Contact your insurance company right away and ask them what to do first. There are companies that specialize in cleaning and restoring your personal items. Ask your insurance company for recommendations of companies you can trust. Make sure you know if you or your insurance company will pay for the cleaning. When you contact the company, be sure to ask for a cost estimate in writing.
If you do not have insurance, your family and community might help you get back on your feet. If assistance is needed, the Winter Garden Fire Rescue Department can request American Red Cross on your behalf to help with shelter and basic immediate needs.
Security and Safety
Do not enter your damaged home or apartment unless fire personnel deem it safe.
The Fire Department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity, and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe, firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected. Do not try to turn them back on yourself.
Contact the Winter Garden Police Department at 407-656-3636 to let them know you will be away from your home and to request security checks. Restoration companies may be able to assist you with boarding up windows and doors to secure your home.
Finances
Get in touch with your landlord or mortgage lender.
Save all of your receipts for any money you spend. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company, and you will need them to prove losses claimed on your tax return.
After The Fire Checklist
- Notify fire personnel if disaster relief assistance is needed.
- If you have insurance, contact your insurance company.
- Check with the Fire Department to make sure that your home is safe to enter.
- Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.
- Try to find valuable documents and records.
- If you leave your home, call the Winter Garden Police Department to request security checks.
- Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss.
- Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss.
Contact Us (407-877-5175) for Incident Report Request or Inquiries