Dealing With the Aftermath of a Fire Damage

5/31/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire, it's very important to remember that restoration must begin as soon as possible. If soot and water damage are left unattended, they can cause more harm than the fire itself. 

Understandably, those who suffered a fire tend to be under a lot of stress immediately after it occurs. However, that's no reason not to get the restoration process started ASAP. Here's what a professional 
restoration company can do if they are contacted within 48 hours of a fire:

First off, if the damage is bad enough, a house may need to be sealed with specialized tarps. Fires are likely to cause holes in the roof or walls, which need to be covered up in order to prevent further damage. Thus, the first step of proper fire cleanup is sealing these holes and any other areas that may leak if it rains before repairs are finished.

Secondly, a restoration company will prepare a comprehensive assessment of damages and losses. This is a basic list of repairs that are needed and things that must be replaced. The assessment is necessary for the restoration company to provide an accurate quote as well as to start 
filing an insurance claim.

The next step is a general, yet comprehensive, fire cleanup session. Most importantly, this involves cleaning up the dust to minimize soot damage and improving air quality by minimizing smoke damage early on. Another concern is the contamination (caused by water damage from the fire) which is eliminated by sanitizing the property.

Once the premises are safe again, the primary concern should be obtaining a "fire report" and filing an insurance claim. A fire report is filed by the local fire department. It discusses the state of a damaged property and includes the "incident number" necessary to file a claim. Plus, any water damage from fire department efforts will be 
indicated in the report.

Apply chemical products that eliminate soot damage and smoke damage. Perhaps the most harmful part of fire loss is the soot that settles afterward. If it is not deal with, residents may experience a variety of respiratory disorders due to deteriorating air quality. The most common of these products is TSP - tri-sodium phosphate. It is practically harmless and it works within hours of being applied. 

If any items have been damaged beyond repair or have been badly covered in contaminated water, then it will be necessary to simply dispose of them and this is another service these companies offer.

Finally, after contractors finish with structural repairs, it is absolutely necessary to thoroughly vacuum the entire property. This ensures that no harmful residue is left inside the premises. No matter if it is a hot summer day or if it's freezing cold - vacuuming should be a prime concern. A quality fire restoration company will thoroughly 
clean all fire residue from any site they work on. 

Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.comfor more information on fire damage.