{"success":true,"data":{"pressRelease":{"id":"170491","rtpr_id":"nPn5lZQka-20261015","ticker":"MCY","exchange":"NYSE","all_tickers":["MCY"],"title":"After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours","author":"PR Newswire","published_at":"2026-10-15T13:06:00.119Z","article_body":"After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours\nPR Newswire\n\nLOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026\n\nMercury Insurance outlines six important steps to protect your family,\ndocument damage and begin the recovery process\n\nLOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The first 24 hours after a house\nfire can be overwhelming, leaving homeowners facing urgent decisions about\ntheir safety, belongings and next steps. Mercury Insurance\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1299641018&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance)\n (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1518287735&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Fquote%2FXNYS%3AMCY&a=MCY)\n) is helping homeowners navigate those critical first hours with practical\nguidance on protecting their property, documenting losses and beginning the\ninsurance claims process.\n\nWhether a fire causes limited damage to one room or forces a family from its\nhome, knowing what to do next can help prevent additional losses and make the\nrecovery process more manageable.\n\n\"A house fire can turn someone's life upside down in a matter of minutes, and\nmost homeowners have never had to navigate anything like it,\" said Bonnie Lee,\nVice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. \"The good news is that\nyou don't need to have every answer immediately. Focusing on a few important\nsteps can help protect your family, preserve important information and get the\nrecovery process moving.\"\n\nMercury recommends homeowners prioritize the following actions during the\nfirst 24 hours after a fire.\n\nMake Sure Everyone Is Safe Before Thinking About the Damage\n\nReturning home to assess the damage may feel urgent, but homeowners should\nnever enter a fire-damaged structure until emergency officials have confirmed\nit is safe.\n\nFire can compromise floors, walls, ceilings and electrical systems, even when\ndamage is not immediately visible. Smoke, soot and contaminated water can also\ncreate hazards long after firefighters have extinguished the flames.\n\nIf the home is unsafe or uninhabitable, find a secure place for family members\nand pets to stay. Do not attempt to retrieve belongings from an unstable\nstructure.\n\nContact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible\n\nHomeowners do not need a complete inventory of damaged belongings or a repair\nestimate before reporting a fire.\n\nContacting the insurance company promptly allows the claims process to begin\nand provides an opportunity to discuss immediate needs, including temporary\nhousing and steps to prevent further damage.\n\nBe prepared to share basic information, including the property address,\napproximate time of the fire, a description of the damage and a reliable\ncontact number.\n\n\"One misconception is that homeowners need to know exactly what was lost\nbefore they can file a claim,\" Lee said. \"That information can be developed as\nthe process moves forward. The important thing is to make contact early so\nyour claims representative can explain what happens next.\"\n\nDocument the Damage, but Don't Start Cleaning Up\n\nOnce authorities have cleared the property for safe access, photograph or\nrecord video of visible damage to the structure and personal belongings.\n\nCapture wide views of affected rooms along with closer images of damaged\nfurniture, appliances, electronics and other possessions. Homeowners should\nalso begin a written inventory of items that were damaged or destroyed.\n\nAvoid throwing away damaged belongings or beginning extensive cleanup before\ndiscussing the next steps with the claims representative. Items that appear\nbeyond repair may still provide important information for evaluating the loss.\n\nProtect the Property From Additional Damage\n\nA fire can leave a home exposed to rain, wind, theft or additional\ndeterioration. Once the property is safe to access, reasonable temporary\nmeasures may help prevent the situation from getting worse.\n\nDepending on the damage, those measures could include boarding up broken\nwindows, securing openings or arranging for a qualified professional to cover\na damaged roof.\n\nHomeowners should coordinate significant emergency work with their insurance\nrepresentative whenever possible, avoid permanent repairs until the damage has\nbeen evaluated and save receipts for necessary protective measures.\n\nKeep Receipts for Temporary Housing and Essential Purchases\n\nA home does not have to be completely destroyed to become temporarily\nuninhabitable. Smoke contamination, damaged utilities or unsafe living\nconditions may require residents to stay elsewhere while repairs are\ncompleted.\n\nMany homeowners insurance policies include additional living expenses\ncoverage, which may help pay for reasonable increases in living costs when a\ncovered loss makes the home uninhabitable. Coverage depends on the policy's\nterms, conditions and limits.\n\nKeep itemized receipts for hotel stays, meals and other necessary expenses\nthat increase your cost of living. Ask the claims representative which costs\nmay qualify and whether assistance is available for immediate needs.\n\nUnderstand What Happens Next and Keep a Record\n\nThe first day after a fire is generally the beginning of the claims process,\nnot the point when every decision must be made.\n\nA claims representative can explain the next steps, which may include\ninspecting the damage, reviewing available coverage, documenting personal\nproperty losses and discussing repairs or rebuilding.\n\nHomeowners should maintain a simple record of conversations, claim\ninformation, appointments, receipts and important documents. Keeping\neverything in one place can make follow-up conversations easier as the\nrecovery progresses.\n\n\"Recovery from a fire takes time, and homeowners shouldn't feel pressured to\nsolve everything in the first day,\" Lee said. \"Our goal is to help customers\nunderstand the process, know what information matters and feel supported as\nthey begin putting their lives back together.\"\n\nRecovery Starts With the Right First Steps\n\nWhile no two fires or insurance claims are exactly alike, prioritizing safety,\ncommunicating with the insurer and keeping accurate records can help\nhomeowners avoid unnecessary complications.\n\nMercury policyholders can report property claims 24 hours a day, seven days a\nweek, by calling (800) 503-3724 or visiting Mercury's claims website\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1984989640&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2Fclaims%2F&a=Mercury%27s+claims+website)\n.\n\nFor information about fire prevention and claims, visit the Mercury Insurance\nResource Center\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=2491131738&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2Fresources%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance+Resource+Center)\n.\n\nAbout Mercury Insurance\n\nMercury Insurance\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1299641018&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance)\n (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1518287735&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Fquote%2FXNYS%3AMCY&a=MCY)\n) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto,\nhomeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent\nagents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New\nYork, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida.\nMercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including\ncommercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing,\nride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.\n\nSince 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their\ninsurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer\nservice, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340\nindependent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an \"A\" rating from A.M.\nBest, as well as \"Best Auto Insurance Company\" designations from Forbes and\nInsure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3769672824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=www.MercuryInsurance.com)\n or follow the company on LinkedIn\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1967326543&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmercury-insurance&a=LinkedIn)\n, Instagram\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1156125444&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmercuryins%2F&a=Instagram)\n or Facebook\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3301224257&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMercuryInsurance&a=Facebook)\n.\n\nMedia interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the\nMercury Newsroom\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3296681898&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Newsroom)\n.\n\nView original content to download\nmultimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-the-fire-what-homeowners-should-do-in-the-first-24-hours-302909347.html\n(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-the-fire-what-homeowners-should-do-in-the-first-24-hours-302909347.html)\n\nSOURCE Mercury Insurance\n\n\n\nDavid Pedersen, (415) 515-9925, dpedersen@mercuryinsurance.com\n\nPhoto: \nhttps://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS333812/MercuryInsurance-Logo.jpg?id=OA3020506\n\nCopyright (c) 2026 PR Newswire Association,LLC. All Rights Reserved.","article_body_html":"","raw_payload":{"data":{"id":"nPn5lZQka-20261015","title":"After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours","author":"PR Newswire","ticker":"MCY","created":"2026-10-15T13:06:00.119Z","tickers":["MCY"],"exchange":"NYSE","article_body":"After the Fire: What Homeowners Should Do in the First 24 Hours\nPR Newswire\n\nLOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026\n\nMercury Insurance outlines six important steps to protect your family,\ndocument damage and begin the recovery process\n\nLOS ANGELES, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The first 24 hours after a house\nfire can be overwhelming, leaving homeowners facing urgent decisions about\ntheir safety, belongings and next steps. Mercury Insurance\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1299641018&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance)\n (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1518287735&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Fquote%2FXNYS%3AMCY&a=MCY)\n) is helping homeowners navigate those critical first hours with practical\nguidance on protecting their property, documenting losses and beginning the\ninsurance claims process.\n\nWhether a fire causes limited damage to one room or forces a family from its\nhome, knowing what to do next can help prevent additional losses and make the\nrecovery process more manageable.\n\n\"A house fire can turn someone's life upside down in a matter of minutes, and\nmost homeowners have never had to navigate anything like it,\" said Bonnie Lee,\nVice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. \"The good news is that\nyou don't need to have every answer immediately. Focusing on a few important\nsteps can help protect your family, preserve important information and get the\nrecovery process moving.\"\n\nMercury recommends homeowners prioritize the following actions during the\nfirst 24 hours after a fire.\n\nMake Sure Everyone Is Safe Before Thinking About the Damage\n\nReturning home to assess the damage may feel urgent, but homeowners should\nnever enter a fire-damaged structure until emergency officials have confirmed\nit is safe.\n\nFire can compromise floors, walls, ceilings and electrical systems, even when\ndamage is not immediately visible. Smoke, soot and contaminated water can also\ncreate hazards long after firefighters have extinguished the flames.\n\nIf the home is unsafe or uninhabitable, find a secure place for family members\nand pets to stay. Do not attempt to retrieve belongings from an unstable\nstructure.\n\nContact Your Insurance Company as Soon as Possible\n\nHomeowners do not need a complete inventory of damaged belongings or a repair\nestimate before reporting a fire.\n\nContacting the insurance company promptly allows the claims process to begin\nand provides an opportunity to discuss immediate needs, including temporary\nhousing and steps to prevent further damage.\n\nBe prepared to share basic information, including the property address,\napproximate time of the fire, a description of the damage and a reliable\ncontact number.\n\n\"One misconception is that homeowners need to know exactly what was lost\nbefore they can file a claim,\" Lee said. \"That information can be developed as\nthe process moves forward. The important thing is to make contact early so\nyour claims representative can explain what happens next.\"\n\nDocument the Damage, but Don't Start Cleaning Up\n\nOnce authorities have cleared the property for safe access, photograph or\nrecord video of visible damage to the structure and personal belongings.\n\nCapture wide views of affected rooms along with closer images of damaged\nfurniture, appliances, electronics and other possessions. Homeowners should\nalso begin a written inventory of items that were damaged or destroyed.\n\nAvoid throwing away damaged belongings or beginning extensive cleanup before\ndiscussing the next steps with the claims representative. Items that appear\nbeyond repair may still provide important information for evaluating the loss.\n\nProtect the Property From Additional Damage\n\nA fire can leave a home exposed to rain, wind, theft or additional\ndeterioration. Once the property is safe to access, reasonable temporary\nmeasures may help prevent the situation from getting worse.\n\nDepending on the damage, those measures could include boarding up broken\nwindows, securing openings or arranging for a qualified professional to cover\na damaged roof.\n\nHomeowners should coordinate significant emergency work with their insurance\nrepresentative whenever possible, avoid permanent repairs until the damage has\nbeen evaluated and save receipts for necessary protective measures.\n\nKeep Receipts for Temporary Housing and Essential Purchases\n\nA home does not have to be completely destroyed to become temporarily\nuninhabitable. Smoke contamination, damaged utilities or unsafe living\nconditions may require residents to stay elsewhere while repairs are\ncompleted.\n\nMany homeowners insurance policies include additional living expenses\ncoverage, which may help pay for reasonable increases in living costs when a\ncovered loss makes the home uninhabitable. Coverage depends on the policy's\nterms, conditions and limits.\n\nKeep itemized receipts for hotel stays, meals and other necessary expenses\nthat increase your cost of living. Ask the claims representative which costs\nmay qualify and whether assistance is available for immediate needs.\n\nUnderstand What Happens Next and Keep a Record\n\nThe first day after a fire is generally the beginning of the claims process,\nnot the point when every decision must be made.\n\nA claims representative can explain the next steps, which may include\ninspecting the damage, reviewing available coverage, documenting personal\nproperty losses and discussing repairs or rebuilding.\n\nHomeowners should maintain a simple record of conversations, claim\ninformation, appointments, receipts and important documents. Keeping\neverything in one place can make follow-up conversations easier as the\nrecovery progresses.\n\n\"Recovery from a fire takes time, and homeowners shouldn't feel pressured to\nsolve everything in the first day,\" Lee said. \"Our goal is to help customers\nunderstand the process, know what information matters and feel supported as\nthey begin putting their lives back together.\"\n\nRecovery Starts With the Right First Steps\n\nWhile no two fires or insurance claims are exactly alike, prioritizing safety,\ncommunicating with the insurer and keeping accurate records can help\nhomeowners avoid unnecessary complications.\n\nMercury policyholders can report property claims 24 hours a day, seven days a\nweek, by calling (800) 503-3724 or visiting Mercury's claims website\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1984989640&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2Fclaims%2F&a=Mercury%27s+claims+website)\n.\n\nFor information about fire prevention and claims, visit the Mercury Insurance\nResource Center\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=2491131738&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2Fresources%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance+Resource+Center)\n.\n\nAbout Mercury Insurance\n\nMercury Insurance\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1299641018&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Insurance)\n (NYSE/NYSE TX: MCY\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1518287735&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nyse.com%2Fquote%2FXNYS%3AMCY&a=MCY)\n) is a multiple-line insurance carrier predominantly offering personal auto,\nhomeowners, renters and commercial insurance through a network of independent\nagents in Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey, New\nYork, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia, as well as auto insurance in Florida.\nMercury writes other lines of insurance in various states, including\ncommercial, business owners and business auto, landlord, home-sharing,\nride-hailing and mechanical protection insurance.\n\nSince 1962, Mercury has provided customers with tremendous value for their\ninsurance dollar by pairing ultra-competitive rates with excellent customer\nservice, through more than 4,200 employees and a network of more than 6,340\nindependent agents in 11 states. Mercury has earned an \"A\" rating from A.M.\nBest, as well as \"Best Auto Insurance Company\" designations from Forbes and\nInsure.com. For more information visit www.MercuryInsurance.com\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3769672824&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=www.MercuryInsurance.com)\n or follow the company on LinkedIn\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1967326543&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Fmercury-insurance&a=LinkedIn)\n, Instagram\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=1156125444&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmercuryins%2F&a=Instagram)\n or Facebook\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3301224257&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMercuryInsurance&a=Facebook)\n.\n\nMedia interested in receiving updates from Mercury can learn more at the\nMercury Newsroom\n(https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=4798594-1&h=3296681898&u=http%3A%2F%2Fnewsroom.mercuryinsurance.com%2F&a=Mercury+Newsroom)\n.\n\nView original content to download\nmultimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-the-fire-what-homeowners-should-do-in-the-first-24-hours-302909347.html\n(https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-the-fire-what-homeowners-should-do-in-the-first-24-hours-302909347.html)\n\nSOURCE Mercury Insurance\n\n\n\nDavid Pedersen, (415) 515-9925, dpedersen@mercuryinsurance.com\n\nPhoto: \nhttps://mmx.prnewswire.com/media/MS333812/MercuryInsurance-Logo.jpg?id=OA3020506\n\nCopyright (c) 2026 PR Newswire Association,LLC. All Rights Reserved."},"type":"article","timestamp":"2026-10-15T13:06:00.158964864Z","server_sent_at_ms":1792069560158},"received_at":"2026-10-15T13:06:00.209Z","source_url":"https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/after-the-fire-what-homeowners-should-do-in-the-first-24-hours-302909347.html"},"analysis":{"id":"158678","press_release_id":"170491","analysis_json":{"industry":{"label":"Insurance","sector":"Financials"},"redFlags":[],"eventType":"other","narrative":"Mercury Insurance published consumer guidance outlining six steps homeowners should take in the first 24 hours after a house fire, covering safety, prompt claim reporting, damage documentation, and record keeping.\n\nThe release is educational brand content featuring commentary from Bonnie Lee, VP of Property Claims, and promotes Mercury's 24/7 claims reporting channels.\n\nIt contains no financial results, guidance, or corporate developments relevant to MCY's fundamentals.","sentiment":"neutral","agentHooks":{"shouldPost":false,"suggestedAngle":"Consumer education/brand PR -- suppress for investment signals."},"keyFigures":{},"quotedText":"Recovery from a fire takes time, and homeowners shouldn't feel pressured to solve everything in the first day","namedEntities":{"people":[{"name":"Bonnie Lee","role":"Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance"},{"name":"David Pedersen","role":"media contact"}],"products":[],"companies":[{"name":"Mercury Insurance","ticker":"MCY","relationship":"filer/author"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"materialImpact":{"score":1,"reasoning":"Consumer-education content marketing from Mercury Insurance about post-fire homeowner steps. No financial figures, guidance, or corporate events; pure brand/PR material."},"tickerRelevance":{"others":[],"primary":"MCY"},"globalImportance":5,"audienceRelevance":8,"eventTypeSecondary":[],"importanceComponents":{"tickerTier":"small-cap-insurer","eventGravity":"consumer-education-content","issuerAuthored":true,"financialMateriality":"none"}},"event_type":"other","event_type_secondary":null,"sentiment":"neutral","material_impact_score":1,"narrative":"Mercury Insurance published consumer guidance outlining six steps homeowners should take in the first 24 hours after a house fire, covering safety, prompt claim reporting, damage documentation, and record keeping.\n\nThe release is educational brand content featuring commentary from Bonnie Lee, VP of Property Claims, and promotes Mercury's 24/7 claims reporting channels.\n\nIt contains no financial results, guidance, or corporate developments relevant to MCY's fundamentals.","key_figures":{},"named_entities":{"people":[{"name":"Bonnie Lee","role":"Vice President, Property Claims at Mercury Insurance"},{"name":"David Pedersen","role":"media contact"}],"products":[],"companies":[{"name":"Mercury Insurance","ticker":"MCY","relationship":"filer/author"}],"dollarAmounts":[]},"model_name":"glm-5.3-flashx","prompt_hash":"sha256:5c812bd9e28b810d","schema_hash":"sha256:05005c02d9cffac9","created_at":"2026-10-15T13:06:04.426Z","global_importance":5,"audience_relevance":8,"importance_components":{"tickerTier":"small-cap-insurer","eventGravity":"consumer-education-content","issuerAuthored":true,"financialMateriality":"none"}},"durationMs":4195,"modelName":"glm-5.3-flashx"}}