Don’t Touch Smoky Items with Bare Hands!
Even if you are allowed to reenter the damaged building, call ERS before trying to clean anything up.
Acidic smoke particulates can combine with skin oils and could irreparably damage property that ERS would have been able to save. Call or contact us by email.
Don’t Touch Smoky Items with Bare Hands!
Even if you are allowed to reenter the damaged building, call ERS before trying to clean anything up.
Acidic smoke particulates can combine with skin oils and could irreparably damage property that ERS would have been able to save. Call or contact us by email.
AFTER THE FIRE: A GUIDE TO REBUILDING AFTER FIRE DAMAGE
A fire is devastating to your home, but the damage doesn’t stop when the fire is put out. It can be difficult to figure out where to start. It is recommended that fire damage repair and restoration be done by licensed professionals. There are things you can do to safely start the restoration process, as well as some safety precautions you should keep in mind.
Safety First
Do not enter the building until it’s been given the all-clear by the fire department. Even after that, unless you really need to go in there, it’s better to wait. The smoke and soot can cause health issues if you breathe them in. If you must go inside, then you should wear a mask and do not touch anything if you can help it. Everything will need to be exactly as it is for documentation purposes. Also, touching something with soot on it could grind the soot into the item and stain it more.
Call Your Insurance Company Before You Start Any Fire Damage Repair
After a fire, the very first thing you need to do is call your insurance company. The faster a claim can be started, the easier the process will be. Do not touch anything until pictures have been taken. At ERS Emergency Restoration Services, we bill directly to insurance and can help with the documentation process.
Most insurance companies will want your residence to be secure as soon as possible in order to be protected from further damage. This usually means boarding up windows and holes in the roof, as well as making sure vandals can’t get inside. A fire damage repair service will usually take care of this as part of the restoration process.
You May Not Be Able to Salvage Everything
Salvaging items after a fire is tricky. Heat warps everything, and the smoke smell is extremely difficult to get rid of. A fire damage repair and restoration team can help determine what can be saved. Photos and artwork may be able to be digitally scanned, so even if the original is beyond salvaging, it may be able to be replicated.
Be Prepared to Be Patient
Unfortunately, it will take some time to get your home back to normal. Depending on the amount of damage, it could take anywhere from a week to a few months to get everything repaired and safe to live in again. Make sure to save all expense receipts for living arrangements, and any needed clothing and other necessary living items. These receipts can also be used as part of your insurance claim.
Getting your home back after a fire can be a stressful process. At ERS Emergency Restoration Services, we want to help make this time as stress-free as possible. We can bill directly to most insurance companies and we provide free estimates, so you don’t have to deal with any unnecessary surprises. We can be on site in 60 minutes or less and we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our experts are ready to get your home back to normal – give us a call today!