Fire and water, both can be destructive and life-threatening. Homes and families that experience severe fire and water damage face the consequences of it for days and even weeks.
Fire is more destructive than water flooding as it has the tendency to spread rapidly. The most important thing to do when a fire breaks into a home is make sure you and your dear ones escape to safety. However, once the fire is put out, you must begin the fire and smoke restoration process immediately to reduce the degree of damage and get things organized around your home faster.
We have shared a few important steps you must follow to restore your home after a fire. If your house is located on a fire-prone zone, such as dry grass, these steps will help you fight calamities better.
- Notify Your Fire and Water Insurance Provider
The earlier you notify, the faster your claim will be processed. As soon as fire engulfs your property, you must get hold of all necessary contacts and connect with your insurance provider at the earliest and file your claim. Insurance providers are most often equipped with necessary tools and contacts to help victims from fire. They may also help you find a fire damage cleaning and restoration company. This will give you a head start.
- Find a Place to Stay
You cannot stay in your home until it is restored. You must have a back-up place to fall on during emergencies. Relocation is a must in case of fire and smoke, especially if you have children and pets. You must think ahead of time if you live in a fire-prone area. If you do not have any option, you can contact a disaster relief center, such as the Red Cross or Salvation Army. These organization quite often offer temporary shelters to needy.
- Ventilate the Area
Once the fire has been put out, enter your house and open all doors and windows to let the smoke out. This will prevent further damage and minimize soot accumulation on your belongings.
- Notify the Police
While you may not think this is important, your home is a welcoming site for burglars and thieves. Open, dark, deserted places full of belongings are the ideal setting for looters. That’s why alerting the police will ensure your property is protected and under surveillance.
Furthermore, once the smoke is cleared, you can board up the doors and windows to provide additional security.
- Ensure Safety of Your Home
Take care of your finances because you have to spend some amount apart from your claimed money to restore your house. Cancel internet and cable connection, and other subscriptions until you occupy your house again. Make a list of all the items that were damaged in the fire, including a list of important documents, such as passports, medical records, certificates, etc.
Since the fire can weaken the foundation of a building, you must ensure a fire marshal evaluates the place and deems it safe before you reenter.
Finally, ensure your fire damage restoration company and insurance claim provider work together in helping you form a fire and water damage restoration plan. Following these steps will help you alleviate major damage and promote complete recovery.
