What You Need to Know About Fire Damage Restoration Services
If your property has recently suffered from a fire, it's normal to feel a deep sense of loss or helplessness – no matter the extent of the damage. However, if your property was rendered uninhabitable, you may feel hopeless. Rest assured that you don't have to feel that way for long. Helping people get their lives back on track after a fire is what fire and smoke restoration professionals do for a living.
For over 20 years, property owners throughout Texas have turned to Frontier Services Group for the best residential and commercial fire restoration services. We want to share the knowledge we've accumulated over the decades to help people avoid common mistakes as they recover from fire damage. Read on to learn how to give your fire restoration professionals the best shot at recovering your property.
Do File a Claim as Soon as Possible
Even if the fire was contained in a single room, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible. If you delay filing a claim, your insurance company could become suspicious of your motivations – making it much harder to get your current or future claims approved. Your insurer can also walk you through the specifics of your next steps, including temporary housing.
Do Ventilate Your Property If You Can
If you are occupying your property after a fire, there are a few ways you can aid the restoration process. First, leave your windows open for as long as possible to allow contaminants and smoke to be aired over time. You can also place clean towels over any damaged areas if the weather doesn't permit you to open windows. While it's best not to use HVAC units, it may be unavoidable at times. Just remember to change the filters so that smoke damage doesn't spread to other areas of the property.
Do Keep Your Property Safe From Outside Threats
A property damaged by fire can be very vulnerable to intruders. Holes in the ceiling, broken windows and compromised locks leave your property accessible to unwelcome humans and animals. You will likely have to leave the premises until these problems can be addressed, so it's essential to secure your property as well as you can. Board up any broken windows with plywood and cover holes in the roof with a tarp or similar material. Don't hesitate to ask your fire department or fire restoration company for advice.
Don't Turn on Electronic Devices Right Away
It would be best to assume that any utilities or electronic devices are unsafe to use until they are professionally inspected. This is one of the many reasons it's important to get in touch with a fire restoration company like Frontier Services Group as soon as possible. An expert opinion on the state of your property's electrical panel and utilities is necessary for the safety of all occupants.
Don't Forget Personal Documents & Items
Before fire restoration professionals start working, be sure to search for important documents and personal belongings. Once restoration begins, you want to be absolutely sure that no salvageable personal items or documents are left behind. The restoration crew will also work more confidently if they know there is nothing for them to accidentally damage even further. Just be careful not to disturb the fire scene any more than you have to as you conduct your search.
Don't Attempt to Clean Anything After a Fire Disaster
It may be tempting to clean right away, but we highly recommend leaving all fire and smoke damage cleanup to professionals. Soot and smoke are very difficult to handle if you have little or no experience. Your cleaning technique may unintentionally spread smoke and other contaminants – making fire restoration more complicated than it has to be. Simply ventilating the property as best as possible or keeping clean towels over heavily damaged areas is all you have to do.
Trust Frontier Services Group for Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup
Frontier Services Group has more than 20 years of experience helping properties and people recover after enormous losses. When you need residential or commercial fire restoration services, we will be there for you every step of the way. Our team can work with homeowners and property managers, facility managers, and facility engineers. Call or contact us today to learn more about our restoration services and experience.
