Actions to Take After a Fire

10/13/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage and odor can be difficult to clean, and a professional company such as SERVPRO of Delray Beach can help.

Actions to Take After a Fire

Fires can cause extensive damage to Delray Beach, FL homes and businesses, but there are steps you can take after a fire to help minimize the damage. By taking these steps, you'll be able to help speed up the insurance process and prevent mold growth and other issues that could create more problems in the future.

Protect Your Property

There are a few things you should do right after a fire to help protect your property from further damage. You will want to make sure you don’t touch anything in the building that is damaged. Avoid using electronics in the home until you are sure it’s safe. One of the most important things you can do immediately following a fire is to contact SERVPRO of Delray Beach, so we can get the mitigation and restoration process started. 

Documentation is Key

Documentation is crucial for your claim. You should keep a record of all communication with your insurance adjuster:

• all letters or emails you send to the adjuster
• any letters or emails you receive from the adjuster
• a list of all the questions that you asked and their answers

It’s also important to keep track of what happens during each conversation. Write down exactly what was said and who said it to ensure that every detail is accurate. You will also want to document the things in your home or building that was damaged due to the fire. Your insurance adjuster can help with how to get started on this. 

Call the Professionals

When it comes to fire damage restoration, there is no one-size-fits-all option. The best way to proceed will depend on the nature of the fire and the extent of damage caused by it. Fire remediation specialists and contractors will help get you on the road to recovery. A professional who specializes in cleaning up smoke or soot from fires will be able to help you decide what your next steps should be.

For example, if you’ve suffered a kitchen fire that left behind charred walls and cabinets, but wasn't hot enough to cause structural damage, then hiring a contractor for some basic repairs may be all that's necessary before moving forward with cleanup efforts. 

However, if your home sustained significant water damage from putting out a blaze that got out of control, then you'll want someone trained in removing mold by using specialized equipment like foggers or fogging machines (which use high-pressure hoses) instead of just fans alone because they can reach places where mold spores tend not to grow well.

Secure Your Property

It is important to secure your property as soon as possible. This will help prevent further damage and make it less likely that vandals will ransack your home. You can do this in a couple of different ways:

• Board up damaged windows and doors with plywood or other materials found around the house.
• Cover holes in roofs with tarps, plastic sheeting, or plywood until you can get them repaired by a professional roofer.

Act Quickly

Part of the healing process after a fire is allowing yourself some time to grieve and recover. But as you're getting back into your daily routine, remember: there are some important steps you should take to restore your home and life to normal. One important step is cleaning up your house as soon as possible after a fire.

Begin with removing smoke odors from walls, rugs, furniture, clothing, and other soft surfaces by washing them with a cleaning solution or vacuuming them. Then clean hard surfaces with soap and water; dry completely before replacing any furnishings on them.

Ultimately, smoke damage and odor can be difficult to clean, and a professional company such as SERVPRO of Delray Beach can help make this process easier for you. 

The first step is to call your insurance agent. They will help you figure out the next steps, but the most important thing is to take care of yourself. Your life has just been turned upside down, and it’s time to find support from friends and family who can help with cleanup or provide food while you recover from this devastating event.