Fire Damage Restoration 101 – Fire Restoration Steps for Restoring the Property

A fire-damaged home can be upsetting for most of us, so investing in your family’s health and safety is essential. Most homeowners get their homes adequately cleaned and restored by professionals to keep their families safe from possible hazards.

What Is Fire Damage?

Its physical damage caused to property as a result of the fire. The damage can be primary-caused by the flames or secondary- caused by smoke or corroding substances emitted after a fire.

Why DIY cleanup is a bad idea

It’s tempting to use a household cleaner for removing marks on soot-laden surfaces. Sadly, it is highly inefficient and most probably, you will end up having a burnt smoke smell in your house all the time.

Who wants a burnt-smelling house? Not me!

Also, every breath you take will be laden with soot and smoke. Isn’t it scary inhaling all the toxic air which can damage your lungs severely? It can affect your vision too. Some people even get hospitalized, so clearly, DIY cleanup is a dangerous job.

What to Do After a Fire Accident?

After surviving a fire, choosing to take the right steps is key to keeping you and your family safe. We have answered some common questions you might have after an accident and the fire damage restoration steps you need to follow to avoid further damage.

When Is It Safe to Enter My Home?

Returning home after a fire can be tricky. Consult fire damage professionals or local authorities. They will inform you when it is safe to enter your home.

If you have doubts about your property’s structural integrity, get it inspected by professionals before entering. They check the roof, windows, appliances, plumbing, and heating systems for you.

If you are allowed in-home look out for the damaged gas line. Check for cracks on the foundation and shut off all electrical and plumbing lines before professionals deem it safe.

Who to Contact After a Fire?

You should contact your family first to ensure their well-being. After the fire is in control, you can :

1. Call your insurance company: They can guide you through the entire process and let you know what you need to get your claims. The insurance company will assess the damage caused to your house and items.

2. Call house inspectors: even if there is no sign of apparent damage. Extreme heat and smoke can adversely affect the structure of your house. It’s better to get it checked.

3. Call your landlord if you rent: Landlords are responsible for repairing the property. Inform them about the fire so they can notify their insurance company. Contact your renter’s insurance company and make a list of damaged and destroyed items.

4. Contact the red cross or other organization: Find an open shelter near you if you can’t find proper housing. Such organizations provide accommodation, meals, and medical care for your family.

Get necessary documents such as passports, birth certificates, and social security cards replaced. Collect any partly burned notes. Federal reserve banks or the US treasury might be able to replace them.

How to Document and Evaluate the Damage

The insurance inspector might miss some items while documenting the loss that occurred to you. To be safe, you should gather information and take pictures of the damage yourself.

Document damage to property by fire:

1. Make a list of items destroyed or damaged.
2. Provide a video walkthrough if possible to help your insurance claim
3. Don’t overlook items damaged by heat and smoke.
4. Estimate the loss and save receipts of temporary repairs, inspection, and restoration efforts paid by you to get reimbursed.

Damage by fire extinguishing efforts:

1. Document water damage. Check for visible signs of mold or discoloration on your floors and ceiling.
2. Call a professional damage assessment service to check for invisible damage.

How to Prevent Further Damage to Your Property?

You are responsible for preventing damage to your property. The best step is to contact a fire restoration specialist.

You can do some minor things while you wait for the professionals such as:

1. Ventilate your home by opening doors and windows. Professionals will use industrial dehumidifiers to dry water in hot weather.
2. Patch windows and doors. Don’t try boarding-up roofs as it can be weak and cave in.
3. Clean the metal surfaces and fixtures as soon as possible to prevent further smoke damage. Twenty-four hours is enough for the smoke to damage a metal object permanently.

After the restoration team arrives, notify them about what you did, oversee their work, and check in regularly to ensure the job is on track. Hire a reputable company to minimize your risk and take note of changes made to your property.

Why Hire a Fire Damage Restoration Company?

Restoration companies have experience in repairing homes after a fire. They are trained in safety procedures, which helps in reducing risk for your family and property. They can completely clean and restore your property to its pre-fire condition. Check floors and other structural components, making it safer for your family to return home.

The homeowner needs to respond quickly after a fire situation. Be prepared to handle a fire situation; don’t reenter the property without it being repaired by restoration professionals.

Taking quick, informed steps increases the chances of restoring your property completely. It is dangerous for anyone without proper training and education to try repairing things on their own. For the sake of you and your family, employ and call the restoration experts.

Pacific flood restoration service professionals work fast to stop the damage and restore your home to its pre-fire condition. We use advanced cleaning systems and equipment to eliminate the costly replacement of restorable items.

Call us on 760-815-3033 or visit our website www.pacificflood.com to learn more.