Last night, our house was struck by lightning, causing an electrical fire in the attic. We had to call 911, and luckily, they managed to contain the fire. However, smoke filled the air vents, and now our home is without power and smells awful. My top priority is my family's safety, especially with my 3-year-old. We're feeling overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next. Any advice on where to start and how to deal with the aftermath would be appreciated!
2 Answers
Definitely call your insurance company ASAP! They're there to help cover your living expenses during this time. Just be prepared; they'll need to inspect everything, which means you might be out of your house for a bit. Don't be shy about being persistent with them—sometimes you have to really push to get everything you're entitled to. And just a heads up, a lot will need to be repaired or replaced, including all the smoke-damaged items and possibly your electrical system.
First things first, document everything that happened. After that, reach out to your insurance company as soon as you can! You'll likely need their help with covering temporary housing while they assess the damage. It's super important to get them involved early on to smooth out the process. Based on my experience, they'll likely support you with hotel accommodations while repairs are sorted out.

I had a similar situation, and the insurance process was pretty stressful! Just stay on top of them and document everything. They might set you up in a family-friendly place while repairs happen, which is a relief.