Securing the Property
After the fire department personnel leave, the building becomes your responsibility.  Remove all valuables if you cannot live in the house.  Should a firefighter or fire investigator be on the scene, they will accompany you.  You are responsible for securing doors and windows and other areas against unauthorized entry and ensuring that no further damage occurs to the structure or contents.  Plywood and building materials maybe obtained from any home improvement or building materials company.

Property Insurance
If you own or are purchasing the property, contact your insurance company and agent as soon as possible.  If you are renting or leasing the property, you must contact the owner also.  Your insurance agent will know which damages your insurance covers.  Sometimes, he or she can help by providing names of full service fire/smoke and water restoration companies that specialize in securing homes, inventory and removal of contents.  Most offer twenty-four hour emergency services.

A "Fire Report" is available from the East County Fire Protection District at 1811 Suncrest Blvd., El Cajon.  For information call (619) 579-6034.

NOTE:  All items in the building should be inventoried and no item should be thrown away without approval of the insurance company.

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