Six Tips for Recovering After Fire Disaster Damage in Your Home

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO of Copple and West Addison has six valuable fire damage restoration tips for recovering after a fire disaster.

Six Tips for Recovering After Fire Disaster Damage in Your Home

A home fire disaster is an unfortunate event that can cause months of frustration and confusion. SERVPRO aims to help fire damage victims by providing professional and friendly fire damage restoration in Coppell and West Addison, TX.

The SERVPRO team knows the keys to an effective fire and water damage restoration process. While waiting for the residential or commercial cleaning team to arrive, follow these tips to start the recovery process after a fire disaster.

1. Contact the Insurance Agent

After calling for emergency services and ensuring that everyone is safe, the next call should be the insurance agent. The insurance policy exists to protect assets in case of ruinous incidents.

Talk with the insurance agent about everything that the policy covers. For example, some homeowners' insurance policies will cover the costs for a temporary residence while the fire restoration company works on home repairs. Be sure to tell the agent everything regarding damages and the recovery plan.

2. Gather All of the Necessary Documents

Insurance companies require extensive paperwork to make sure the payout is accurate. Make a list of everything the fire has destroyed so that the insurance company can account for everything.

When the fire or storm damage restoration company comes, be sure to ask for a detailed receipt. Keeping track of recovery costs and services used will be an essential factor in the insurance payout. If the fire causes flooding, keep the documents from the water damage restoration company as well.

Most importantly, be sure to get a copy of the fire report, as this is one of the most important documents to submit in an insurance claim. Thankfully, fire reports are public and easily accessible.

3. Secure the Home While You are Away

Unfortunately, crime doesn't stop just because of a house fire. If the home's damage creates unsafe living conditions, the fire damage restoration company will ask that you find somewhere else to live during the restoration process. During this time, it is crucial to secure the home to prevent burglary or vandalism.

Board up the windows and notify the local police department to keep the house safe during the fire restoration process.

4. Replace Any Valuable Documents

House fires may destroy documents such as birth certificates, social security cards, military records, or other personal information. In that case, it is critical to replace them as soon as possible.

Fire damage victims can take the remains of burnt cash to a Federal Reserve Bank to replace the lost amount.

5. Remove Any Undamaged or Salvageable Property

A commercial cleaning team's first step during a fire or storm damage restoration is cleaning out the house. Once the house is officially safe to re-enter, gather and remove any undamaged or salvageable belongings. Remember to check these items for soot and wash any clothes that make it out.

6. Contact a Fire Damage Restoration Company

Once everyone is safe and the insurance claims process starts, it's time to reach out to a fire damage restoration company. Starting the fire restoration process as soon as possible will restore the home's living conditions sooner and get life back on track.

SERVPRO offers professional commercial cleaning and water damage restoration in Coppell and West Addison, TX. Call (972) 233-8400 to learn more about fire restoration or schedule a cleanup.