Throughout the Northeast, residents are experiencing once-in-a-lifetime seasonal events including hurricanes of great magnitude, catastrophic flooding, and incongruously, wildfires due to unprecedented drought conditions. If you live in or near Greenwood Lake, New York, you know that despite the heroic efforts of hundreds of firefighters, a wildfire, which has already consumed over 5,000 acres, has yet to be brought under control. As of this writing, evacuations are voluntary. Whether you opt to stay in your home, or leave, here are some steps to take to ensure your peace-of-mind.
Avoid the Scene: It would seem obvious, but it is imperative that you avoid driving or going near the affected area. Not only do the firefighters and other emergency personnel need to focus their entire attention on controlling the blaze, but you do not need to put yourself in harm’s way. Avoid becoming a statistic.
Hose Down Your Roof: Considering the distance between the fire and your residence, you should consider using your garden hose to saturate your roof, as well as the roofs of any ancillary structures on your property such as barns, detached garages or sheds. This way, stray sparks will not set fire to your home.
Pre-Pack Your Bags: If the fire department determines that your area must be evacuated, have everything you and your family need already packed, ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice. Pack enough clothing for several days, any medications you or a family member requires, flashlights, batteries, first aid kit, cell phone/chargers. See below for documents to include.
Gas in Your Car/Truck Tank: Mass evacuations create traffic jams. Be sure you have at least half a tank of gas in your primary vehicle.
Photograph Important Documents: You will want to pack your passports and credit cards. Be sure, if you have not already done so, to take cell phone photos of all birth certificates, your home’s deed, titles of all family vehicles, your insurance policies, etc. Should the worst occur, these photos will assist you in preparing and submitting a fire insurance claim.
Take Videos of Rooms in Your Home: Make a cell phone video of each of the rooms in your home moving slowly to create a 360 degree comprehensive record of your premises. Do not forget closets, attics, garages, and cellars where you may have off-season items such as bicycles, motorcycles, and other possessions stored. Again, in the event that you have to prepare and submit a fire damage claim, these videos will facilitate the process.
Contact United Public Adjuster & Appraisers: As your fire damage public adjuster, our team of professionals can assist you with every step of your fire insurance claim from documentation/submission to settlement. If such proves to be the case, we can also assist you and your family to locate temporary housing. Once your claim has been submitted, we can additionally oversee the process, provide you with updates, negotiate with your insurance carrier on your behalf to bring about a just settlement in as short a timeframe as possible. In times of crisis, you can depend on our expertise as your fire damage public adjuster as well as our compassionate approach to your situation. We are that friend in need when you need a friend most.
For your complete peace of mind, we invite you to contact our team to discuss your fire damage claim options today.
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