This may be your decision or one based on the building inspector's judgment that the residence is unsafe.

• Notify local police. They will keep an eye on the property during your absence.
• Temporary Housing: Local relief services, like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army, should be able to help you with temporary housing.
• Beginning now, start keeping receipts for any money you have spent. These receipts are important in showing the insurance company what money you have spent related to the fire loss and also for verifying losses claimed on your Federal Income Tax.
• If you are insured under a package homeowner or tenant's policy, a section of your coverage may pay for the extra costs of temporary housing such as a hotel. If you need immediate funds, ask your insurance agent how soon you might receive any advance on your eventual claim settlement.
• Try to locate the following items to take with you:
  • Identification.
  • Vital medicines, such as insulin or blood pressure regulating drugs.
  • Eye glasses, hearing aids, prosthetic devices or personal aids.
  • Valuables such as credit cards, checkbooks, insurance policies, savings accounts, money, jewelry, and the like.
• Do not attempt to open your safe. A safe involved in a fire may hold intense heat for several hours. If the door is opened before the safe has cooled down, the entering air, combined with the inside temperature, may cause the contents to burst into flames.
• Notify the following people or agencies of your relocation:
  • Your insurance agent or adjuster.
  • Your mortgage company.
  • Your employer.
  • Family and friends.
  • Your children's schools.
  • Your Post Office. Have them hold or forward your mail depending on the length of time you expect to be relocated.
  • Delivery services and newspapers.
  • Utility companies. These include telephone, heat, power, water, cable, and trash and recycle collection.