Many people ask us what to do after a fire damages their home or business. So we wanted to discuss the immediate steps to take following a fire, as well as, what NOT to do after a fire.
A fire, whether in your home or business, is a scary event that can leave you feeling lost on where to begin with the recovery process. The damage caused by flames, smoke, and water from putting out the fire can be extensive. Knowing the immediate steps to take can significantly speed up and ensure a thorough restoration process.
This quick guide aims to provide clear, accessible advice for both residential and commercial property owners on what to do after a fire.
Immediate Steps To Take After a Fire
1. Safety First
The safety of occupants should always be the top priority. After a fire, ensure that everyone is safe and accounted for. Do not attempt to re-enter the building until it has been declared safe by the fire department. Smoke and structural damages can pose serious risks, so take the advice of emergency services.
2. Contact Emergency Services
Even if the fire has been extinguished, it’s crucial to contact your local fire department. They can assess the property for hidden dangers, such as smoldering hot spots or structural damage that could lead to collapses. Their official report will also be needed when dealing with your insurance claims.
3. Securing the Property
Once the property is deemed safe to enter, the next step is to secure it to prevent further damage or theft. This is essential for both homes and businesses. Board-up services can cover broken windows and damaged doors, and tarps may be necessary to protect exposed areas from the weather. This step not only keeps your property safe but is often also a requirement of insurance policies.
- For residential properties, securing your home helps preserve your personal belongings and provides a layer of safety against unauthorized entry.
- Securing your business premises is essential for commercial properties to protect sensitive documents, expensive equipment, and inventory from further damage or loss.
What To Do After A House Fire
Dealing with the aftermath of a fire in your home involves several steps. Each is designed to ensure your safety, secure your property, and begin the restoration process as smoothly as possible.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
One of the first calls you should make (after notifying the fire department) is to your insurance provider. Reporting the fire promptly is an important step in the claims process.
Provide a general overview of the damage and follow their guidance on the next steps. They will likely require a detailed inventory of damaged or lost items, so begin documenting as soon as it’s safe to do so. Photographs and a detailed list of items will be helpful during this process.
2. Find Temporary Housing
Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to find temporary housing. Many homeowners’ insurance policies include coverage for living expenses if your home is uninhabitable.
Ask your insurance representative about this coverage and how to access it. Meanwhile, local disaster relief services, such as the American Red Cross, can also provide immediate temporary housing assistance.
3. Salvage Personal Belongings
Dealing with personal belongings can be emotionally challenging. Once it’s safe, assess which items can be cleaned or restored and which should be documented as lost for your insurance claim.
Professional restoration services can offer advice and assistance in dealing with both salvageable and unsalvageable items. Consider storage solutions for items that can be saved but can’t stay on the property during the cleanup and repair phases.
4. Clean-Up and Repair
Before any repair work begins, a thorough cleanup of soot, smoke, and water damage is necessary. Hiring a professional fire restoration company can ensure that this process is done correctly and safely.
These experts have the tools and knowledge to deal with hazardous materials and can help prevent further damage to your property. The timeline for cleanup and repair can vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage but expect it to take a minimum of several weeks.
A reputable restoration company will provide you with an estimated timeline and keep you updated throughout the process.
What To Do After A Commercial Property Fire
A fire in a commercial setting involves unique challenges and priorities, particularly concerning business continuity, data preservation, and comprehensive property restoration.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediate communication with your insurer is essential in the aftermath of a commercial fire. You should initiate the claim process quickly to detail the extent of the physical and operational damage.
Understanding your policy’s coverage, especially concerning business interruption insurance, is essential, as it can provide crucial financial support during downtime. Documentation will be needed to support your claim, including photographs of the damage and an inventory of lost or damaged goods and equipment.
2. Temporary Relocation
For many businesses, finding a temporary operational base is an essential step to maintaining continuity. Depending on what your company does, this might involve renting a new office space, using co-working spaces, or even operating remotely.
Communicate any changes in operation or location to your employees, customers, and suppliers as soon as possible. Your insurance policy may cover some costs associated with relocation and operation from a temporary location, so clarify this with your insurer.
3. Salvage and Storage of Equipment
Post-fire, it’s important to quickly assess what equipment can be salvaged, especially items that are essential to your business operations. Professional restoration services can help clean and salvage electronic equipment and machinery.
Sensitive documents and data storage devices should be prioritized for recovery and restoration. Consider secure storage solutions for salvaged equipment and inventory during the cleanup and restoration process, protecting them from further damage.
4. Professional Clean-Up and Restoration
Contacting a professional fire restoration service specializing in commercial properties will greatly help. They will handle the cleanup, including water removal, soot, and smoke damage, ensuring your property meets safety and health standards before repairs begin.
The complexity of commercial restorations means timelines can vary significantly; however, a professional service will provide a detailed assessment and timeline, allowing for more accurate planning for a return to full operation.
What To Do & NOT To Do After a Fire To Your Building
Here are some essential dos and don’ts to help guide you through this challenging time:
Dos:
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure the safety of the property before assessing damage.
- Notify Your Insurance: Promptly contact your insurance provider to initiate the claims process.
- Document Everything: Capture photos of damage and compile a detailed list of affected items.
- Choose Experienced Restoration Services: Select a reputable fire damage restoration company for quality assistance.
- Keep Receipts: Maintain records of all fire-related expenses for potential insurance reimbursement.
Don’ts:
- Enter Unsafe Premises: Refrain from entering the property until authorities deem it safe.
- Avoid DIY Cleaning: Leave soot and smoke damage cleaning to professionals to prevent further harm.
- Utilities Inspection: Do not activate utilities until they’re inspected and cleared by experts.
- Delay Insurance Approval: Hold off on repairs until receiving approval from your insurance provider to avoid coverage issues. Make sure all damage is accounted for.
- Postponed Disposal: Do not discard damaged items until after assessment by the insurance adjuster, unless they pose health risks.
Understanding these steps and precautions can impact the efficiency and success of your recovery efforts. By following these guidelines, you can navigate the complex process of fire restoration with greater confidence and clarity, ensuring the best possible outcome for your property.
Let’s Begin Your Journey to Fire Recovery Together
If you’re facing the aftermath of a fire, reach out to us. Our team of experts are ready to assess the damage, provide a clear plan for restoration, and work tirelessly to bring your property back to pre-catastrophic condition or better. From securing your property and navigating insurance claims to the final touches of restoration, Chicago Fire Repair is here to support you every step of the way.
Don’t wait to start the recovery process. Contact Chicago Fire Repair today for a consultation, and let us help you take the first steps towards rebuilding and restoration. Together, we can overcome the challenges of fire damage and restore not just your property but also your peace of mind.
We are licensed, bonded, and insured. Offering a 5-year warranty for work completed and a lifetime odor-free guarantee. As always, we work for you, NOT the insurance company. Making us the #1 rapid response team in the Midwest and #1 fire restoration specialists in Lincolnwood and across Chicagoland.
How To Get Rid Of Fire Smoke Smell In House
We get asked all the time how to get rid of the smoke smell after a house fire and if it can be done yourself or if you should hire a professional. The aftermath of a house fire can leave you with the daunting challenge of eliminating persistent smoke odors. This...
After Fire Restoration Process for Homes and Businesses
We have an 8-step fire restoration process for both homes & businesses with a completion timeline ranging from a few weeks to several months. When a fire strikes, it doesn't discriminate between homes and businesses—both can suffer extensive damage that seems...