If a disaster such as a flood, fire, or water damage of any kind strikes your home, it may be necessary to make new living arrangements during the restoration process. The most common reason you cannot occupy your home after a disaster is that it is unsafe due to poor air quality from smoke or mold growth. Even after extinguishing a fire, corrosive soot particles and chemicals still contaminate the air. Moreover, residual water and moisture also cause rapid mold growth that creates an array of respiratory health issues when breathed.

If you are forced to leave your home after a disaster, there are some things you should take into consideration. Below are some tips on finding new living arrangements, as well as keeping your belongings secure and managing your expenses during this traumatic time.

Find New Living Arrangements:

• Find a new living arrangement that is close to work, school and home. You want to keep your daily routine as normal as possible.
• Make sure where you choose to live for the time will be comfortable for the length of time it takes to complete the home repairs. When selecting a location, your insurance company should take into consideration your previous living requirements, so that you and your family are as comfortable as possible.
• We recommend extended stay hotel suites or month-by-month apartment rentals. However, you should always ask your insurance if your policy covers the cost.
• Living with friends or relatives is a suitable choice if both parties are agreeable.
• Take with you as many everyday possessions as you can to make you and your family feel more at home.

Secure Your Property and Belongings:

• Remove all valuable possessions and personal belongings from your home. Do not leave any documents behind that contain financial, banking, or medical information.
• Make sure all electrical appliances remaining in the home are unplugged.
• Have your mail forwarded to your new living location, or have the Post Office hold it for you.
• Make sure your damaged home is properly locked, secured, or boarded up to prevent intrusion by people or natural elements.
• Contact your local police department to let them know your home will be vacant and ask them to check it periodically to help prevent theft or vandalism.

Manage Your Expenses and Documentation:

• Track your restoration expenses by opening a separate checking account.
• Save the receipts from any living expenses you incur during your stay away from home. Your insurance company may reimburse you for most expenses.
• Keep all your insurance claim documentation and receipts in a folder and store it in a safe location.

Sometimes the aftereffects from putting out a fire result in more damage than the fire itself. Fortunately, our experts at Restoration Experts can help you with furniture removal and disaster cleanup. Our fire cleanup process takes care of everything, with safe, thorough, and proper cleaning and restoration. Our goal is to get you back into your home as quickly as possible. When the unthinkable happens, call GET RESTORATION EXPERTS at 1-877-503-8782. We’re local and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and will be onsite in one hour or less.