Fire damage is the last thing anyone wants to experience. But if the situation arises, you should know what to expect so you can prepare your family for what is to come.
Fire is destructive not only because it burns, but also because of the soot and smoke that it creates. Not only are soot and smoke poisonous and damaging to your health but they can also create a bad odor and stain your fittings, upholstery, and furniture.The goal of fire damage restoration is to reverse as much of the damage caused by fire, smoke, soot and water as much as possible, and get your life back to normal as soon as possible.
Generally, there are five steps to the fire damage restoration process:
- Emergency Contact: Your property needs immediate relief and it’s important that your restoration company reflects that. While emergency services and the fire department will be the first on the scene, it is important to get additional fire damage restoration quickly after before damage spreads further. For example – if a fire leaves a hole in your roof, you will need emergency tarping before the elements enter your home.
- Assessment: The second step in the fire damage restoration process is to assess the damage of your property. This will usually involve taking a look at how far the fire, smoke and soot have traveled, as well as the condition of your walls and furniture. Understanding the extent of damage is an important step and allows the restoration company to come up with a plan of action to keep your family safe and get you back in your home as soon as possible.
- Tarp & Seal Surfaces: Once the fire damage restoration process begins, the restoration company will tarp and seal all surfaces effected by the fire to ensure no further damage is made.
- Cleanup: Next, cleanup begins. All smoke, dust and soot will be removed. This is also when water damage restoration takes place. Any standing water and moisture in the home from the fire department or damage caused from the fire will be removed, dried and sanitized. The restoration company will also remove odors, clean carpets and dispose of any damaged personal items.
- Repair & Rebuild: The final step in the fire damage restoration process is the repair and rebuild the home. The goal is to get your property back to normal (or better)! Your home will be completely rebuilt and renovating so that your family can safely move back in and resume life as normal.