After the Fire: Steps Homeowners Should Take for Recovery and Restoration

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home can be a traumatic event. After the flames have been extinguished, it's important to take immediate action to start the process of recovery. In this blog, we'll discuss the steps homeowners should take after a fire to ensure the safety of their families, preserve their property, and begin the restoration process.

The first step after a fire is to contact your insurance company to report the damage. They will guide you through the claims process and provide information on what to do next. Make sure to document everything, including damage to your property and personal belongings, and keep receipts for any expenses incurred.

Secure your belongings

After a fire, your property may be vulnerable to further damage or theft. Board up any broken windows or doors, and secure any openings in the roof or walls. You may also need to turn off utilities such as gas and electricity to prevent further damage.

Document the Damage

Take photos or videos of the damage to your property and personal belongings. This documentation can be used to support your insurance claim and may be required to receive benefits.

Contact a Professional Restoration Company

A professional restoration company can help assess the damage and provide a plan for restoration. They will have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely clean and restore your property, and can help salvage as much as possible. SERVPRO of Anaheim West is a local leader in fire damage cleanup and restoration and is here to help!

Assess Your Personal Belongings

After a fire, it's important to assess your personal belongings to determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be discarded. Clothing, linens, and other washable items may be able to be cleaned, while items that have been significantly damaged by fire or water may need to be disposed of.

Address Smoke Odor

Even after the fire has been extinguished, smoke odor can linger in your home. A professional restoration company can help eliminate smoke odor using techniques such as air purification, ozone treatment, and thermal fogging.

Experiencing a fire in your home can be a devastating event, but taking the right steps after a fire can help ensure your safety, preserve your property, and begin the restoration process. By contacting your insurance company, securing your property, documenting the damage, contacting a professional restoration company, assessing your personal belongings, and addressing smoke odor, you can start the process of recovery and get back to your normal life.