Fire Restoration & Reconstruction
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After the Fire: What to Do
After a fire occurs within a home, there are many areas to assess for damage and necessary repairs or replacements. A fire can not only wreak havoc on a home's interior design and contained possessions, there can be damage to electrical systems, contamination by harmful or toxic gases from the breakdown of chemical solvents and substances, and massive structural damage. Here's a helpful list of actions you can take in the event of a fire to minimize further loss or damage:
- Transport all family members and pets to an area of safety
- Contact the police and the fire department
- Once the fire has been contained and eliminated, wait until the home is secure before re-entering the building
- Extensively photograph the damage for insurance purposes
- Turn off air conditioning and heating systems and change the furnace filters
- Set down clean towels or fabrics through damaged areas and limit traffic to prevent further soot contamination
- Remove undamaged valuables and possessions from the home
- Encourage ventilation by opening doors and windows
- Have all electrical fixtures and appliances checked by a contractor before attempting to clean or use them
- Check all food items and perishable substances for contamination
- Consult with a home contractor for estimates on fire restoration services and fire cleanup
Before getting started on fire restoration plans, it's important to file a claim with your insurance company. Make an inventory of all lost or damaged property and check your homeowners' policy prior to filing with an adjuster to gain the most returns. Once your claim is underway, it's time to begin the fire damage assessment and restoration process.
Cooling Down and Cleaning up with Fire Restoration
After ensuring the safety and security of the home, fast timing is of the essence for effective fire restoration. In addition to the fire itself, smoke and soot are powerfully destructive forces that quickly take their toll. In the aftermath of a fire, smoke and soot (potentially toxic and carcinogenic) accumulate on appliances, furniture, upholstery, etc. and cause irreparable harm if not removed swiftly. The best option for preventing permanent staining, discoloration and corrosion of valuables from smoke and soot, is to get started with fire restoration measures as soon as possible. A home contractor with fire restoration experience should be able to assess the home's conditions, and provide fire cleanup and restorative services that include:
- Emergency board-ups
- Electrical repair
- Drywall and structural repair
- Floor coverings
- Foundation repair
- Carpet cleaning and restoration
- Painting
- Furniture restoration
Lastly, remember to outfit your home with the proper fire safety measures, and always have an emergency exit strategy prepared in case of a fire or natural disaster.
NOTE: For people recovering from fire damage caused by wildfires in Yorba Linda, Corona, Montecito, and Anaheim, California, Signature Contractors is working with Mallory Construction to help homeowners rebuild throughout the area.
