How To Deal: After A Fire

4/12/2016 (Permalink)

The time following a fire in your home or business can be very overwhelming. Surrounded by your soot-covered and flame-damaged possessions, it’s easy to feel exhausted and depressed. The biggest triumph was that hopefully everyone got out safely. A way to ensure this is by getting one of our E.R.P.'s in place before the disaster takes place. Once the smoke clears, you will need to deal with all of your things, and the sooner the better.

Right at the beginning, it’s important to keep calm and be organized. Take notes on every conversation and online correspondence with your insurance company and restoration professionals, because in any stressful situation, miscommunication can happen. Save all receipts and original documents; only give photocopies upon request.

Make sure to call a professional as soon as possible. The quicker work can get started the better! Either calling SERVPRO right off the bat or calling your agent and asking for SERVPRO to help you is best. That way the claim process can get started and SERVPRO will be notified to get the your home or business as soon as possible.

SERVPRO will work with your insurance company to initiate a fire damage recovery plan and closely with you and your adjustor to determine which of your possessions can be cleaned…and which need to be inventoried for replacement. Often these services can be provided on site, but in the event that your contents have to be removed SERVPRO offers the capability to inventory, package, transport and store your belongings in a safe, heated facility.

Now that you know the initial steps of the fire damage recovery process, here are a few tips on what NOT to do before the pros arrive:

• Do not wipe or attempt to wash fire residue from walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces
• Do not use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues or debris
• Do not use food items or canned goods exposed to heat
• Do not turn on computers, televisions, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been professionally cleaned and checked

With preparation, resources and SERVPRO on your side; plus a healthy dose of patience and perspective, you will make it through the process of fire damage recovery.

SERVPRO of Huron and East Seneca Counties specializes in the complete repair of fire, smoke, wind, flooded basements, water and vandalism damage to both commercial and residential properties. Capable of handling any size loss and working with all types of insurance providers, the SERVPRO disaster team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROhuroneastsenecacounties.com/ or call 419-443-1790.