No one in their wildest dream would dream of a burning home.
In fact, no one would imagine in their right mind of being trapped in a situation where they have to clean up home after fire damage.
For some, it is a nightmare and for few, it is actually a living scenario.
If you find yourself in a situation where you have to deal with fire damage restoration, there are a number of things that you must remember that will assist you in the cleaning process.
Our tips will help you make the right, informed decision and protect your property and loved ones.
Don’t Lose Mind, Contact a Restoration Services Provider
Unlike water damage or mold growth, fire can be destructive and devastating. Fire can engulf an entire building in flames if not acted upon quickly.
So, you must call up three companies as soon as you see a fire breakout, without procrastination.
They are:
- The fire brigade for extinguishing the fire.
- The fire restoration service provider for quick and safe preservation of property.
- Your home insurance policy provider.
Once the fire brigade arrives and starts their work, call up the nearest fire restoration service provider and ask them to send help for cleaning up the debris and restoring the house.
Then, notify your insurance company and register a claim.
Remember to click pictures of the damages that occurred for the claim processing.
Since fire damage cleanup and restoration is a multi-step process, you have to stay calm, focused, and patient during the entire transition.
Clean up and restoration will need a significant amount of expertise, as well as knowledge about health and safety.
You cannot do it alone. You must hire professional aid to accomplish difficult tasks, such as smoke and soot removal, water damage restoration, debris disposal, and mold removal.
However, ensure that the company you hire is certified by the IICRC, bonded, and insured, and has trained people handling the process.
Things to Know Before Cleaning Up Home after Fire
Although the situation, intensity of damage, and circumstance will differ, the following aids will help people sail through the experience better.
- Your mind might be paralyzed from the devastating experience and everything may seem out of control, but remember it is all going to fall into place if you act quickly and call for help. Your restoration service provider will have faced the situation countless times and have helped several families get back to normalcy. So, they will help you go through the hardest time with efficient service. Don’t worry.
- Do not speed up the cleaning process. Understand that it will take time. Try to get involved with your fire restoration technician and understand the nuances. This should help you worry less and focus more.
- Remember to clean one area at a time. You don’t have to do everything at once. Start by removing the debris and clearing the space.
- Since firefighters spray gallons of water at high pressure to extinguish the flames, there may be a chance of water flooding inside the house. High water pressure may also damage the property. So, think about water damage restoration as well.
- Do not enter the house without the permission of the firefighters. There could be possibilities of structural damage, such as caving roof, electrical short circuit, and even broken, dangerous stuff.
- Look out for a place to stay until the renovation completes.
- Secure your property. Empty fire damaged houses are prime targets for burglary. Notify the cops and ask them to send patrol police to watch the place during the nights. Also, remove all valuable items from the house.