Rebuilding after a fire

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Make sure that the contractor rebuilding your home obtains a building permit and follows the current building, fire and electrical codes for your area.

Ask a professional about having automatic residential fire sprinklers installed during the reconstruction process. It is much less expensive to have sprinklers installed during reconstruction instead of after the construction is complete.

-Make sure that smoke alarms are installed following your local fire protection codes.

We recommend having smoke alarms installed inside each sleeping room, hallway outside sleeping areas, and at least one on every floor of your home. The smoke alarms should be inter-connected so that if one alarm sounds, all will sound. The alarms should be operated by household, power and batteries in case the household power are out. (New fire codes require this type of smoke alarm to be installed. Check with local authorities about the prevailing fire code in your area)

-It is good idea to make sure that you have updated your Family Disaster Plan and replenished essential disaster supplies just in case a disaster happens again. 

You will always feel better knowing that you are prepared and ready for anything. The American Red Cross encourages taking five key disaster preparedness steps: make a plan, build a kit, get trained, volunteer and give blood. For more information about preparedness, ask your local Red Cross chapter.

-Consider purchasing homeowner's or renter's insurance. 

-Make copies of important documents, such as birth and marriage certificates and insurance policies, and store these in a safe place.