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AFTER THE FIRE
Following a fire, you may experience many inconveniences and temporary changes to your life style. The information provided here will hopefully help expedite your recovery and provide you with some piece of mind when dealing with this difficult situation. If you need additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our administrative office during normal business hours at (760) 931-4665.
Assessment of Damage
Following a fire, your property may not be suitable to live in. Check your policy or ask your insurance agent about living expense coverage if your property is not suitable to live in. Insurance companies usually base this decision upon the safety factors listed below.
Structural Damage
Fire can cause structural damage to roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. Fire department personnel will contact the city building department if significant damage has occurred. The building department will conduct an inspection to assess the extent of the damage and determine which permits are required to make the necessary repairs.
Security
Doors and windows may have been damaged or broken. Firefighters may have cut a ventilation hole in the roof to remove heat and smoke inside the structure.
Utilities
Fire department personnel may have shut off utilities to the property. This may include electricity, natural gas and water. The utilities can not be turned on until the city building department has issued a clearance.
Smoke Damage
The residual smoke and odor from burned material following a fire may be hazardous to your health.
Insurance
Insurance companies and insurance policies vary from one another. The following is general information to get you started. If you are insured, the first thing to do is contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Your insurance adjuster should be helpful in making necessary immediate repairs and with securing your home. If you are unable to contact your insurance company and immediate repairs or securing of your home is necessary, contact a licensed contractor. Refer to the yellow pages under General Contractor or Fire and Water Damage Restoration Contractors.
If you are renting or leasing you must contact the property owner or manager. The owner's insurance will be utilized for the structural repairs. If you have renter's insurance it will most likely cover personal items damaged inside the structure. The owner's policy may also include a renter's package that covers your personal items.
Do not throw away any damaged possessions until an inventory has been made. Damage inventories are very important in developing an insurance claim. Pictures and receipts of damaged property are also very helpful.
Tax Relief
Pursuant to State law, if your property incurred structural or fire damage of $5,000 or more you are eligible for some property tax relief if you file an application with the San Diego County Assessor's Office (619)505-6262 within six months.
In addition, if your property is not insured, or if your insurance will not cover your losses, contact a tax specialist or the Internal Revenue Service for assistance. You may be eligible for a casualty loss. Request publication #547 "Tax Information On Disasters, Casualty Losses and Thefts" to see if you qualify.
Emergency Food and Shelter
The American Red Cross (760)757-5403 and the Salvation Army (619)231-6000 are available to assist families who have been displaced from their homes through a disaster. They are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. They can provide food, clothing, and housing to those in need.
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