After the Fire: Action Items

We know that you are facing a tremendous challenge now.  This checklist offers guidance to help you protect your home, finances, and recovery process after a structure fire. Use it as a reference in the coming days and weeks.

URGENT NOTIFICATIONS & FINANCIAL STEPS

  • Notify your employer and/or Social Security of your updated mailing address.
  • Keep mortgage payments and homeowners insurance active and current.
  • Do NOT cancel electric or water service, even if shut off.

CANCEL OR PAUSE SERVICES (IF NOT NEEDED)

  • Postal hold/change: www.usps.com/holdmail
  • Cable/Satellite TV, Internet, Garbage
  • Auto-pays for unused services
  • Alarm service (keep if power is on)

DOCUMENTS TO REPLACE OR LOCATE

  • ID: Driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, Medicare/Medicaid
  • Vital records: Birth, marriage, military, citizenship papers
  • Financial: Bank info, tax returns, insurance policies, titles, will
  • Keep ALL original receipts and submit COPIES to insurance.

SMARTPHONE TOOLS

  • Use free app like ‘Camscanner’ to scan and email receipts to yourself and others.

AVOID SCAMS

  • Don’t share info over the phone with strangers or ‘fake adjusters’.
  • Verify any charity or offer of help before giving info or money.

IRS TAX DEDUCTIONS

  • Save inventory & values. Refer to IRS Publications 2194, 547, and 584-B.