What To Do If You Have Fire Damage

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a house or building fire can be completely devastating, and the cleanup process is not easy. DIY fire damage restoration is never advised due to the complex and difficult cleaning process that is required after a fire. Smoke damage and soot damage occur after fires and the remedies are all included as part of the fire cleanup process. If you have suffered from a fire in home or fire in your business, make sure you call a professional restoration company to help you board up the area and deal with the aftermath, get rid of the smoke smell, and help with any other aspect of home or commercial fire damage. Here is what you should do in the event that you have smoke damage, soot damage, or fire damage.

1. Don't Enter Your Home
Fire damage doesn't just create a smoke smell or soot smell, it can deteriorate and destroy the foundation of your home. You need to make sure that any entry into your home is cleared by a professional fire company prior to entering the premises. There is also a risk of a fire restarting, even if it appears to be completely out.

2. Make a Few Calls
Informing family and other loved ones of the fire, and your safety status is one of the most important parts of fire damage restoration. Material items can be replaced, but your family's peace of mind is important. Next, call your insurance company. Many companies cover fire damage restoration if you have suffered from home fire or a fire in business.

3. Fire Report
Obtaining a copy of the fire report is also crucial in the early stages after you experience a fire in home or fire in business. Your local fire agency can help you obtain a copy of the report, and if they can't release it to you they will instruct you on where to obtain a copy. The fire report will include the home's condition, persons involved, and other important information required by both your insurance company and the restoration company who comes in to help clean up the damage and board up the house.

4. Securing the Property
Whether you experience home or commercial fire damage, many insurance companies mandate that you board up the area. A restoration company can assist you with this to make sure that you are safe throughout the process. If your utilities are unsafe, the fire department will make sure they are turned off before they leave the area. It is important to not turn them on after they have been shut off!

5. Replace Documents
Whether the documents have suffered smoke damage, soot damage, or been destroyed entirely, it is important to replace them. This should be done before the fire cleanup so you have time to start the process of replacing them. You should also be sure to replace any damaged credit cards after you cancel them. Don't forget the social security cards, birth certificates, or driver's licenses that haven't been damaged by the fire.

6. Begin Cleanup
This process is where you will want to make sure to hire a professional restoration company. It is never advisable to try and remedy the damage that occurs from a fire in home or fire in business because it is dangerous and a complicated process to remove the smoke smell, smoke damage, and fire damage. Fire damage restoration companies will help you board up the house or, in the event that there is commercial fire damage, board up the business as well. Fire cleanup usually includes getting rid of smoke damage, smoke smell, soot damage, and fire damage.

Whether you have suffered a fire in home or fire in business, it is important to always leave the damage control to the professionals. Fire cleanup with residential or commercial fire damage can be complicated and tricky, and getting it done right the first time is crucial. Give us a call at 425-775-5723.