Follow this fire damage restoration process to make sure you get your property back to normal. This process will also help you get the most out of your claim. Typically, experienced professionals handle this process. Examples of these professionals include fire restoration contractors and repair specialists. Therefore, property owners and homeowners should not attempt the damage restoration process. This is to prevent fatal accidents and ensure safety.
In this article, we will explain in detail the steps you should take after a fire. We will also provide you with tips on how to prepare for restoration.
What To Do After A Fire
Once the fire is out, make sure you and the property occupants are in a safe location away from unstable structures or falling debris. Then, you can begin following these steps to prepare for the restoration process:
- If you or anyone else has been injured in the incident, seek medical attention or call 911.
- If you rent the property, contact the owner or landlord and tell them about the incident.
- If the structure is safe to enter, try to remove any valuables remaining in the building.
- Don’t turn on any lights or plug in any electronics in case the fire damaged your property’s circuitry.
- Dispose of any medicine or food that was exposed to smoke.
- Inspect the property and secure any openings from weather, intruders, or vandalism.
- Contact your insurance company to report the incident and begin the claims process.
Before
After
The Fire Restoration Process
The process of property restoration has many steps:
1. First, the restoration contractors will ventilate the property to remove smoke and mitigate damage to your belongings.
2. Then, the restoration specialists will inspect your property for belongings like artwork, carpets, furniture, and electronics. They’ll make a full inventory of salvageable items vs. destroyed items. The specialists will then remove the salvageable items from the property. They will also take the salvageable items to an off-site restoration center. However, they will document the destroyed items and count them as ‘total losses’ in your insurance claim.
3. Third, the fire damage cleanup begins. They will clear all debris from the home. Contractors will also keep an eye out for other salvageable possessions along the way.
4. Next, the restoration company considers how to proceed with the building’s restoration. If the property has incurred significant structural damage, demolition may be the best course of action.
5. If the property can be restored, a team of various specialists will work together depending on the specific needs of the home. This may include roofing, tiling, insulation, carpentry, painting, or other disciplines.
