When fire strikes on your property, the fear can be paralyzing. However, it’s no time to freeze. Of course, prevention is the best protection from fire’s damage, but experience shows it’s just not always possible. In that case, having a pre-made plan in place can be the strongest defense to keep things moving along effectively. A well-thought-out plan allows us to feel prepared, while also serving as a step-by-step guide to follow rationally when disaster strikes rather than reacting emotionally and inefficiently in the moment. With that in mind, there are some important tips to keep in mind before fire damage occurs, as well as some considerations to remember when hiring the best fire damage restoration companies to support you through each step.

Tip one: act fast

The worries that arise with a building fire are countless, but remember that safety is always the top priority. Even once the fire’s been put out, its dangers can continue to persist and be life threatening if we’re not careful. Structural damage, pipes bursting, toxic chemicals, and gasses in the air can all be hazardous to anyone in the vicinity. Building owners should seek the professional guidance of their preferred fire damage restoration company right away. Because this step is so important, it can’t be emphasized enough that scrambling to choose a company in the heat of the moment is never the best laid plan.

When the research has been done prior and you have that trusted name and number on hand, you’ll be glad you laid the groundwork. Trained technicians can put your mind at ease from the very moment they arrive to provide an expert assessment right up until their very last helpful task that sees you reopen the building.

Tip two: a safe and thorough cleanup is a must

Looking around at a fire disaster while thinking about its cleanup can be overwhelming. There are likely ash-covered and scorched materials everywhere. Not to mention all the water pooling and waiting to contaminate the building with mold and mildew. There will be more than enough energy required from the building owner just to deal with all the stress of the fire. The actual cleanup is best left to professionals who can handle it with industry standards, and who have all the tools to get the job done thoroughly and on time. This includes taking care of any odors or chemicals that have likely infiltrated all the building’s surfaces, as well as its HVAC system.

These companies can also assist with the proper disposal of damaged materials. Never underestimate the added expense in making mistakes when handling a fire remediation, or within the added downtime for the business. Leave the drying out of the interior, the scrubbing, the sanitation, and the disposal to an efficient fire damage restoration company. As a bonus, they can provide trusted referrals should other repairs and replacements be necessary along the road to restoration.

Tip three: Stay on top of your insurance requirements

Your fire damage restoration company is a great resource when it comes to handling the tedious details around an insurance claim. Their technicians can help ensure you have all the requirements and documentation ready to keep things moving along more quickly. It’s essential that you contact your insurance agent right away so they can inform you of everything you’ll need to provide from their end as well. We also recommend you have the conversation early to ensure you’re both on the same page when it comes to your fire damage restoration plans.

You’ll also want to stay on top of listing out a proper inventory of everything damaged or lost in the fire. Good documentation should include the purchase date, original price, and any other notable details around each item. Having this list ready can be highly useful in speeding your claim along.

Fire damage restoration can be an overwhelming process

But remember, when you hire the right professionals, it will end well, and things will return to normal. Using the most thorough and advanced products and practices, trained technicians can bring the building back to its pre-damaged condition.

From the safest assessment, including a timeline for the entire process, to the labor-intensive clean up, receiving your insurance claim, and restoring life in the building to its original routine, fire damage restoration companies can support you all the way through. If you’re thinking of putting a plan in place to mitigate a potential disruption, or if you have any other questions, don’t wait until disaster strikes to reach out.