A fire can be a devastating event in your life that forever changes it, but as unbelievable as it seems, recovery begins as soon as you escape it. A fire can cause you to lose your home and may even injure you and loved ones, or worse. If you’re a victim of a fire at work, you could face serious injuries and pressure to not report it, or you might even be released from employment. While a fire can forever change your life, there are some steps that you can take to aid in your recovery and that of your loved ones.
Immediate Steps
In the immediate aftermath of a fire, it’s vital to ensure that everyone affected by it is safe. Seek medical attention to check for any signs of injury, especially smoke inhalation. You may need to go to the hospital to deal with injuries. Even minor burns require medical attention or they can develop into life-threatening injuries.
After a House Fire
If you’re the victim of a house fire, contact local charities and disaster relief services, which can help you find shelter and emergency aid, such as food and water. Once you’re safe, begin to cancel any credit cards you lost to preserve your finances as best possible.
Don’t re-enter your domicile to search for belongings unless the fire department tells you it’s safe to do so. Even if the damage appears minor, it could have suffered extensive damage that’s not visible to you. Entering the building without clearance could place yourself and others at grave risk.
After a Workplace Fire
If you are the victim of a workplace fire, seek medical attention. It’s possible that you may have been exposed to hazardous substances that can present an immediate or long-term risk to your health. While every fire takes place in different circumstances, it’s important to record as much of it as possible. You will also want to speak with your insurance provider and inform them of the incident so they can guide you to the next steps.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurance company can tell you what steps to take to file a claim and to protect your property. It’s likely that your home is damaged and is exposed to the elements and intruders. Your insurer can tell you what steps to take when it comes to removing water from your property and sealing entrances, such as doorways and windows. You can also begin an accounting of goods you believe were lost, which will likely require you to note exactly what the items were and how much they cost you.
Coping
Victims of fire can face a long road to emotional recovery, even if they escaped without any physical scars. A fire can happen suddenly, leaving lasting trauma and anxiety among survivors. Some strategies to recover from fire include the following:
● Express emotions you feel from the fire
● Reach out to survivors to talk about their experiences and feelings
● Follow routines to help overcome anxiety from the incident
● Participate in your community and spend time with friends
● Commit to a healthy lifestyle, including your diet and a regular sleeping schedule
If you’ve had a home fire, identifying the cause is vital to helping you obtain compensation. Someone’s negligence could have led to the fire or exacerbated it, whether it be a landlord who hasn’t updated their property, an employer who put you in a dangerous situation, or a manufacturer that created a defective product. A lawyer specializing in helping fire victims obtain justice can help you determine the parties who were responsible for the fire and file a claim to help you obtain compensation for them.
