Fire damage is a serious issue. A major problem with fire damage is coping with the emotional trauma of seeing your destroyed belongings. There are a lot of things you can replace, and others you cannot. For example, heirlooms that were passed down by late family members or other sentimental items.
After you are safe and have dealt with the initial trauma of a fire, you may want to look to restoration. Fire damage is usually worse than water damage, because it also includes water damage. Wondering how? Of course, water will be used to put out the fire. So here are the necessary steps to take after a fire incident.
1. Call a restoration company
You need to call your nearest or best restoration company first. You will have to answer several questions about the incident. The question will help them come with the necessary equipment. You may need to take snapshots of your burnt residence, or a video, and send it to them.
2. Inform your insurance company
If your insurance covers fire incidents, you should call your insurance company to also come for their assessment. There is nothing wrong in sending the snapshots and the footage of your burnt apartment to them too. The earlier they know the intensity of the fire, the better for you.
3. Expect them to come for inspection and assessment
Your restoration company, as well as the representatives of your insurance company, will come for assessment and inspection. You may also have to answer a few more questions. They need to determine the extent of fire, soot, and smoke damage to your apartment and to your furniture and fittings. This will help determine the best plan of action.
4. Temporary replacement of damaged areas
After the assessments and inspections, you can begin to discard items that cannot be salvaged. Remove them one after the other. After that, you will need to embark on temporary fixing of some furniture and fittings. For instance, fire can compromise the security of your doors and windows, so you need to begin the quick repair from the windows and doors. Some Sarasota restoration experts may also take part in the temporary renovation. In fact, some companies have added this to their restoration process.
5. Water extraction
Fire is usually put out with water so if there is water in your apartment, your company may also embark on water removal. This is why the level of damage is important in determining the required action plan.
6. Removal of smoke and soot
What is next is the removal of smoke and soot. Restoration companies usually have specialized tools to remove smoke from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. You may also have to wash all the clothes that have been affected.
7. Sanitize and restore
The next step is to sanitize your home to improve the air quality. Reliable restoration companies have specialized tools to remove odors from the fire damaged apartments. Most importantly, full restoration of your property or apartment should begin now. Restoration often includes some level of renovation depending on the extent of fire damage. This often includes repairs and painting.
While there are numerous restoration companies around, the quality of their services differ as well as their charges. So, you should hire a restoration company that has been in business for years. You are more likely to get better service from older companies
