After Fire Tips

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

Fire/Smoke damage kitchen.

The aftermath of a fire can be chaotic and emotionally devastating. You may be concerned with the damage done to your property, and the business you’re likely to lose as a result of it. Although it can be difficult, it’s important to stop, take a deep breath, and prioritize what needs to be done. Follow these steps to help make sure your loss goes smoothly as possible.

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider
   
   It’s important to contact your insurance provider first, so that you can begin the process of filing a claim. Your provider will want to send a claims adjuster to assess the damage, and the sooner this can be scheduled, the sooner you will receive payment to pay for restoration services.
   
   2. Secure Your Property
   
   Fire can leave your building with large holes in the walls and ceilings, leaving the contents exposed to further damage. Your insurance will cover damages from the fire, but it won’t cover damage from rain and snow entering the building after the fire, or theft resulting from the building being easily accessible.
2. Document the Damage
   
   Your insurance company will require evidence of your losses. Take photographs or videos of as much damage as you can without putting yourself in danger. It’s also good to compile a list of everything lost in the fire. If you have receipts or other documentation, start pulling these together. 
   
   4. Resist the Temptation To Clean Up
   
   Although you may feel tempted to begin throwing things away or making repairs, don’t. It’s important that the claims adjuster has a chance to assess the original damage. It’s also better to let a fire restoration specialist assess your property before throwing it out. Items you believe to be destroyed by smoke damage may actually be salvageable through smoke cleaning.

If you experience a loss, give us a call. We will come out and discuss the process, on what we can and cannot do, and how to get started in the restoration process.