We’ve all heard the old adage “time is money”, and when it comes to fire damage restoration, this couldn’t be more true. Time is an absolutely crucial factor in properly restoring a property after a fire. If it is not taken into account, the rest of the restoration process can be severely hampered.
Here are the crucial steps you need to take to get your home back on track and fully functioning.
1. Companies You Need to Contact Right Away
- Insurance Company – First step is to contact your insurance company. Make sure you have all the necessary information, including the claim number and policy number, ready to go. Your insurance company will be able to provide you with guidance and assistance in the restoration process.
- Utility and Lending Companies – If you have any loans or mortgages on your home, contact your lender or mortgage servicer right away. They may be able to provide you with some assistance in the restoration process. Additionally, contact your utility companies. They may be able to help you get your power, water, and other utilities back up and running.
- Hospital – If you or anyone else in your home has been injured in the disaster, get to a hospital right away.
- Office/School – If you or anyone else in your home is employed or attending school, contact your employer or school right away. If your home is severely damaged by far and becomes unlivable, then you may need to stay in another home that may be far away from your office or school.
- Fire Restoration Service – If your home has been damaged by a fire, contact a fire restoration service right away. They will be able to assess the damage and provide you with guidance and assistance in the restoration process.
2. Immediately Replace Important Documents
If you experience a life-threatening fire, you won’t be thinking about grabbing all your important documents. Remember that even though these documents are important, they can all be replaced. Some of the documents you should obtain replacements for immediately include birth certificates, social security cards, passports, marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, bank documents, school records, damaged money, vehicle registration, and tax records.
3. Start with the Clean Up
If you already have permission to safely enter the home, then you can start cleaning up the mess before the fire restoration company arrives. Don’t forget to wear protective clothing, gloves, and a face mask to protect yourself from the smoke and soot.
Start by using a shop vacuum to remove the soot from furniture, carpets, and other surfaces. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the walls, windows, and other surfaces. Once the soot has been removed, you need to wait for the fire damage restoration company to begin the restoration and repair the damage.
4. Make Way for Fire Damage Restoration
When the fire has been extinguished and the clean-up is complete, it’s time to start professional fire damage restoration. The fire damage restoration company will inspect your home and assess the damage.
Once the fire damage restoration begins, the company will work to remove any damaged materials and replace them with new materials. This could include drywall, flooring, furniture, and other items that have been damaged by the fire. They may also need to clean the air ducts and replace the insulation. Plus, electrical wiring and plumbing may need to be replaced.
Once the repairs are complete, the fire damage restoration company will work to restore your home to its former glory. This could include painting, re-carpeting, and replacing any fixtures.
Conclusion
Time is a critical factor in fire damage restoration for a myriad of reasons. The quicker the fire is extinguished, the less damage will be done, the sooner the restoration process can begin, and the less time mold and mildew have to spread. So if you ever find yourself in the unfortunate circumstance of a fire, remember that time is of the essence.
Are you in need of fire restoration in Athens, GA? Then look no further than Sentry Restoration. We offer a wide range of services, including smoke and soot removal, fire and smoke damage repair, and complete restoration of your property. We understand the emotional and financial hardships that come with fire damage. That’s why we strive to provide the best possible service to our customers, ensuring that their property is restored in a timely and efficient manner. Let us ensure that your property is restored to its pre-fire condition. Contact us today to get started!
