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After The Fire
Assessment of Damage
Structural Damage
Security
Utilities
Smoke
Insurance
Tax Relief
Emergency Food and Shelter
Following a fire, a family or resident may experience many inconveniences
and temporary changes to their life style. Hopefully, the information
provided here will help expedite your recovery and provide you with
some peace of mind when dealing with this difficult situation. If
you need additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate
to contact the CVFD administrative office during normal business
hours at (619) 691-5055.
Assessment of Damage
Following a fire, property may not be suitable to live in. Check
the insurance policy or ask the insurance agent about living expense
coverage if the property is not suitable to live in. Insurance companies
usually base this decision upon the safety factors listed below.
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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.
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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.
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Utilities
Fire Department personnel may have shut off utilities to the property.
This may include electricity, natural gas and water. The utilities
cannot be turned on until the City Building Department has issued
a clearance.
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Smoke Damage
The residual smoke and odor from burned material following a fire
may be hazardous to health.
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Insurance
Insurance companies and insurance policies vary from one another.
The following is general information to get started. The first thing
to do is contact the insurance company as soon as possible.
The insurance adjuster should be helpful in making necessary immediate
repairs and with securing your home. If you are unable to contact
the insurance company and immediate repairs or securing of your
home is necessary, contact a licensed contractor. Refer to the telephone
book 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 renters 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 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.
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Tax Relief
Pursuant to State law, if the property incurred structural or fire
damage of $5,000 or more the homeowner is eligible for some property
tax relief if they file an application with the San Diego County
Assessor's Office (619) 505-6262 within six months.
In addition, if the property is not insured, or if the insurance
will not cover the losses, contact a tax specialist or the Internal
Revenue Service for assistance. The Homeowner may be eligible for
a casualty loss. Request publication #547 "Tax Information On Disasters,
Casualty Losses and Thefts" to determine if the situation qualifies.
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Emergency Food and Shelter
The Fire Department will request the American Red Cross when residents
are displaced from their homes.
The American Red Cross (619) 542-7400 and the Salvation Army (619)
231-6020 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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