After a Fire
Once you get over the initial shock of a fire, coping with the aftermath can be physically and mentally draining. If the entire structure burned, you may find yourself literally reconstructing your life from scratch. Otherwise, your recovery will be less painful but still an ordeal. The following information will give you some direction on where to start and where to find help.
Immediate Assistance
Contact a local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross, at 904-358-8091, or 1-888-843-5748 for those outside the 904 area code, to get help with immediate needs such as temporary housing, food, medicine, clothing and other essentials. Do not use e-mail in an emergency. Use the phone. The Salvation Army, at 904-356-8641, also provides similar disaster assistance.
Secure the Property
To prevent looting or further loss, arrange to have the property secured immediately. Most insurance policies require it. If possible, do not remove items before an insurance adjuster arrives.
Insurance
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Many policies provide funds for emergency lodging and living expenses until you are able to move back into your home. Keep all receipts. If you are a tenant, contact the owner or the owner's insurance agent. The owner is responsible for preventing further loss to the property, but the owner's insurance, in most cases, will not cover the cost of a tenant's personnal belongings.
Replacing Documents After a Fire
Important documents and identification cards may be destroyed or damaged in a fire or hurricane and should be kept in a safe place, preferably one that is fireproof. If damaged or destroyed, however, these documents may be replaced. Because of the danger of identity theft, it is crucial to report lost or destroyed documents quickly.
The chart below contains contact information and shows where to find replacement documents.
| Item | Where to get a replacement |
|---|---|
| Driver's Licenses | Department of Motor Vehicles http://www.dmv.org/ or http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/department-motor-vehicles.php |
| Birth Certificates | State Office of Vital Statistics http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ or, if outside Florida |
| Credit Cards | The issuing companies, as soon as possible |
| Bank books, checking, savings, etc. | Your bank, as soon as possible |
| Social Security Cards | Local Social Security office http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber/index.htm |
| Insurance Policies | Your insurance agent |
| Passports | U.S. Department of State http://travel.state.gov/passport/lost/us/us_848.html |
| Marriage, Divorce Papers | State Office of Vital Statistics http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ or, if outside Florida |
| Death Certificates | State Office of Vital Statistics http://www.doh.state.fl.us/ or, if in another state |
| Citizenship Papers | U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service |
| Payment Books | Your bank or lending institution |
| Income Tax Records | Internal Revenue Service FAQs | Internal Revenue Service |
| Mortgage Papers, property deeds | Your lending institution or Clerk of the Courts, |
| Title to Deeds | Your lending institution, Clerk of the Courts, http://www.duvalclerk.com/ccWebsite/ or http://www.myfloridacounty.com/ |
| Stocks and Bonds | Your broker or the issuing company |
| Automobile Registration, Title | Department of Motor Vehicles office or http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us |
| Medical Records | Your doctor or dentist |
| Burial Contracts | Local cemetery where the burial plot is located |
| Wills | Your attorney |
| Papers for Animals | Humane Society or your veterinarian |
| Medicare Card | Local Social Security Administration office |
| Medicaid Card | Agency for Health Care Administration |
| Warranties | Issuing company |