Following a fire, most experience inconveniences and temporary changes to their lifestyle. Insurance policies should be checked and insurance agents should be asked coverage of living expenses, as property may not longer be suitable to live in. Insurance companies usually base this decision upon the safety factors listed below:
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.
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.
Fire department personnel may have shut off utilities to the property, including electricity, natural gas and water. The utilities cannot be turned on until the city building department has issued a clearance.
The residual smoke and odor from burned material may be toxic and hazardous to human health.
Insurance companies and insurance policies vary considerably. The following is general information on what to do after a fire.
Pursuant to State law, if property incurred damage of $5,000 or more in a fire, homeowners may be eligible for property tax relief. An application must be filed with the San Diego County Assessor's Office at 619-505-6262 within six months.
In addition, uninsured property, or if insurance does not cover losses, please contact a tax specialist or the Internal Revenue Service for assistance. Request publication #547 "Tax Information on Disasters, Casualty Losses and Thefts" to see if property qualifies for casualty loss.