After the Fire: Action Items

  1. Notify your Employer/Social Security of new (Pay)check mailing address
  2. Keep Mortgage Payment CURRENT!
  3. Keep Homeowners Insurance PAID!
  4. DO NOT CANCEL Water or Electrical Services – EVEN IF SHUT OFF

Cancel Unneeded Services:

Replace any of these documents that were damaged or lost as quickly as you can. And if any of them remain in the property following the loss, remove them and store them in a safe place.

  • Cable/Satellite TV
  • Internet
  • Garbage
  • Anything auto-pay on your credit card or checking account that is not needed
  • Any services not needed while house empty
  • Alarm service may be worth keeping if power present and service can be re-established while house empty

Document Inventory

  • Driver’s License 1-800-777-0133
  • Passports 1-800-487-2778
  • Social Security cards 1-800-772-1213
  • Citizenship papers 1-800-375-5283
  • Credit cards
  • Bankbooks (checking, savings)
  • Insurance policies
  • Medical records
  • Birth, death, military discharge and marriage certificates
  • Hospital, Medicare or Medicaid cards
  • Stocks and bonds
  • Income tax records
  • Mortgage documents
  • Titles to deeds
  • Will

Keep all Receipts

Submit COPIES of daily living expenses and replacement items to your insurance. KEEP ORIGINALS.

Smartphone App

“CAMSCANNER” is a free app that will let you use your smart phone camera to “scan” and then email receipts and signed documents. This is a powerful tool of transmitting and archiving paperwork. Email documents to yourself and put in a specific folder later.

Reject Spoof Phone Calls

Do not give out information to anyone you do not know to be legitimate.
“I am working with your insurance adjuster.” Is not a valid reason to release info to a stranger.