Fire Damage Restoration Pre-cleanup Tips
Fire. That’s a word nobody likes to hear. It means loss of property and at times, loss of life. After the threat has passed and (hopefully) all the building’s occupants are safe, the ordeal is far from over. What comes next is the process of cleaning up the debris and rebuilding. For this you will need to engage the services of fire damage restoration companies. But first, here are some pre-cleanup tips that you, as the property owner, can take to get the process started.
Call your insurance company
Before you call fire damage restoration companies, call your insurance company. Not only do you need to report the loss, you need to confirm the details of your temporary accommodation coverage (if you have this on your policy). You shouldn’t be going back into the dwelling to grab your papers unless the structure has been deemed safe enough for you to enter. So, start by calling your insurer and having them look up your policy. If you have temporary accommodation coverage, get yourself and family situated in a safe place. The call will also open a claim; let your insurer know how and where they can contact you. If you have fire coverage, the benefit can be used to help with the cost of fire damage restoration companies.
Start making a list
Once you are in a safe location and your insurance company has been notified (if applicable) start writing down the important items you hope to salvage. If the structure is not a total loss, things like the deed to the house, medical papers, heirlooms and keepsakes may be found in the rubble. Fire damage restoration companies often have the means (or companies in their network) to help restore valuable items. Having a list of items for the debris and restoration crew to look for can help you get some of your valuables back.
Get the fire report
Both your insurance company and the fire damage restoration companies you speak with will benefit from a copy of the fire report. Obtain your report, make copies, and keep the original in a safe place.
Breathe and check in on your mental health
You have just thorough a shock and likely lost some belongings, or even people or pets, that are very dear to you. This is a very emotional time, and you need the services of fire damage restoration companies to get your life back in order, but don’t overlook the support you need to deal with your loss. Turn to supportive friends, family, and health care professionals that can help you navigate the days ahead. As tempting as it is to reach for unhealthy coping mechanism like too much food or alcohol, take care of your body so you can think as clearly as possible and deal with the tasks necessary to remediate the situation.
Make the call
Once you have contacted your insurance provider and made a list of valuables you hope to salvage, it’s time to start looking for fire damage restoration companies. Your insurance company may have suggestions of where to start, but you are not obligated to use their contacts. Be sure to do your research and choose among the fire damage restoration companies that have the experience and customer service you need. Look for good consumer reviews, professional affiliations and memberships, and prompt answers to phone calls and emails.
Choose among fire damage restoration companies and follow their advice
When you have found the best damage restoration company – the one with the experience and service you can rely on, they will have advice on your next steps and information/documents they need from you to complete their work. Then, your restoration company will take it from there and do the following (this is a sample list – the complete list of services depends on your location and severity of the fire):
• An assessment of the property, the damage from the fire, and the damage caused by putting out the fire (water damage, etc.)
• A determination if the location is safe for people to enter
• Securement of the premises
• Removal of debris
• Smoke odor removal
• Construction and rebuilding
Conclusion
It is devastating to endure loss due to a fire. Fire damage restoration companies help you get your life – and property – back on track as quickly as possible. Do the early steps, like contacting your insurance company and taking care of your health during this trying time. When the fire damage restoration company arrives, they will work quickly to restore the property and help you move on with your life.
