A fire in your home or business can be devastating and change your life forever. While lives cannot be replaced, your home, business and personal property can be. Insurance claims for damage caused by fire can present very complex legal issues. Our staff of attorneys stand ready and willing to assist home and commercial property owners with claims resulting from fire damage.

A fire can engulf a structure in a matter of minutes. Understanding the basic characteristics of fire and learning the proper safety practices can be the key to surviving a house or building fire. According to FEMA, (Federal Emergency Management Agency) fire is the fourth largest accidental killer in the United States, behind motor vehicle accidents, falls, and drownings.

An ounce of prevention:

• Install smoke detectors. The leading cause of death in a fire is asphyxiation.
  
  
• Post emergency numbers near telephones
  
  
• Install A-B-C type fire extinguishers
  
  
• Check electrical wiring
  
  
• Do not overload outlets or extension cords
  
  
• Develop an escape plan
  
  
• Practice evacuating the building
  
  
• Practice staying low to the ground when escaping
  
  
• Choose a safe meeting place outside the house
  
  
• Learn how to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if clothes catch fire
  
  In case of fire:
  
  
• Feel all doors before opening them. If the door is hot, or smoke is pouring in, go another way
  
  
• Get out as quickly and as safely as possible
  
  
• Use the stairs in a multi-storey building
  
  
• Call the fire department from a location outside the house
  
  
  
  After a fire:
  
  
  
  
• Give first aid where appropriate
  
  
• Stay out of damaged buildings
  
  
• Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot
  
  
• Contact your insurance agent
  
  
• Don't discard damaged goods until after an inventory has been taken. Save receipts for money spent relating to fire loss
  
  
• Take photographs or video of the damage if possible
  
  
• Contact your local fire department or American Red Cross chapter for more information on fire safety. Also the Federal Emergency Management Agency on line. See Resources section for additional information.

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