California wildfires are occurring more frequently and becoming more devastating than ever before. If your home was near enough to a wildfire (or involved in a house fire) and you had to evacuate, it is critical not to return immediately. Coming back home after a fire takes careful planning and preparation to ensure your safety. Speaking with a California wildfire lawyer can help you understand your rights and the steps needed to secure compensation for property damage or loss.
Wait for the OK
If your home was directly impacted by a fire, the timeline of when to return is not up to you. For your own safety, you must wait to be given the OK by a firefighting professional or local authority. Returning before it is safe to do so can risk your health and well-being, even if the fire has been extinguished.
Document Your Damage
Before you start cleaning, repairing or replacing anything after a house fire, carefully document the damage for insurance purposes. Take photos, videos and detailed notes describing your losses. Create a master list of every item that was damaged and its value, along with any receipts you have. Then, prepare for cleaning with safety in mind.
Protect Your Lungs and Skin
In the aftermath of a house fire, there will be a lot of smoke, ash and soot. This is dangerous to touch and breathe. Before you enter your damaged home, put on an N95 mask to help protect your respiratory system from airborne particles and chemicals. Use rubber gloves when cleaning any ash. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and wash off any ash you get on your body right away.
Don’t Bring Children and Pets Home Right Away
When revisiting your home for the first time after a fire, leave children and pets in a safe location, if possible. Otherwise, they may come into contact with harmful substances and be exposed to physical dangers. If they must come with you, keep the pets and children under your direct control. Watch them closely and don’t let them get any ash on their skin or fur.
Check the Exterior
Do not only focus your attention on damage to the inside of your home; when you first drive up, carefully inspect nearby trees and electrical poles for signs of damage that could lead to instability and hazards. Avoid any electrical or utility risks, such as downed electrical lines, and report them immediately. Monitor any slopes near your home for potential mudslides.
Clean With Care
You may wish to start cleaning and getting your home back to normal right away, but it is important to know how to clean up after a fire in a way that doesn’t risk your health. Here are a few basic tips:
- Use a HEPA air filter or ventilation system to purify the air.
- Do not use a leaf blower or broom to clean up ash, as this can put dangerous particles back into the air.
- Use a wet mop and damp cloth to clean indoor surfaces; only use a vacuum if it has a HEPA filter.
- Dispose of any food that was in the house if it was exposed to fire, heat, ash or smoke.
- If you use well water or tap water, have it inspected by a professional before drinking or bathing.
- Don’t forget to check attics, vents and crawlspaces for lingering soot or ash.
At first, use a flashlight to inspect the exterior of your home. Before you turn the power back on, ensure the meter is undamaged and the main electrical breaker is off. Have your utility company inspect electric or natural gas systems before turning them back on, as well.
Contact an Attorney for Legal Advice
When you’re ready to file an insurance claim for wildfire or house fire damage in California, contact Bridgford, Gleason & Artinian to start with a free legal consultation. Our lawyers can help you and your family recover from a house fire in every way.