Sacramento House Fire Restoration

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

In a fire like this, the task of cleaning up may seem insurmountable. We are always here to help 24/7/365 to ensure quick response in emergencies.

Experiencing a house fire is a frightening, sickening, and very upsetting experience. In the aftermath of a fire, it is very important to know what to do to protect yourself and others from any possibility of further harm. This blog post will help you with key things to do and know after a fire.

If you need to reenter your home, you need to make sure that it is safe to do so.

You need to make sure that the fire is extinguished, that the authorities have established that it is safe to enter, and the severity of the fire. You need to recognize that there is a chance that you might not be able to reenter if the building is too badly damaged.

Know who to call.

• Contact family members that may not have been with you. Let them know what happened, let them know that everybody is okay (if so) and let them know the information that is necessary.
• Contacting your insurance is the number one thing that youneed to do. This will not only enable documentation of the event and set in train the insurance claim but your insurer will be able to talk you through emergency lodging and living expenses. Remember to retain all receipts to make a claim. The insurance company will also assist with clean up options.
• If you are a tenant, contact the owner/landlord and/or their insurance company.
• Anyone who you feel that could be helpful to you, not necessarily just an insurance company but even a restoration company. Restoration companies should work hand in hand with your insurance to take some of that weight off of your shoulders.

Secure the property. 

If you have not already being told to do so, it is important to secure your property to prevent possible looting. Talk to emergency services on how best to go about this. Most insurance policies require this.

Consider cleanup requirements

Depending on the severity of the fire, interior cleaning may be what is required. Damage to the property often goes beyond what you can see. Types of damage can include ash, charring, soot, smoke, odor, contents damage, and even water damage from fire fighters putting out the fire.  

If water was used to put out the fire, its best to call the professionals.

Water damage can lead to more damage or even mold if not dried properly. Insurance companies will often have approved restoration contractors that you can call for board up, structural drying, contents cleaning and structural cleaning and repair.

Seek counseling if needed and reassure your family. 

Having your house damaged or destroyed by fire is extremely traumatic and can have lasting impacts on each family member, depending on his or her ability to cope. Common feelings are helplessness, disorientation, pining for belongings, deep sadness, a sense of deprivation, despair and a loss of routine and structure. Reassure each other and let the emotions happen. Keep a close eye on children and be truthful with them about what has happened and if you do not know what is going to happen next, at least reassure them that you have one another, that things can all be replaced and that the only way is up from here on.

A house fire can be one of the most terrifying experiences you can go through. If you have experienced a fire in your home and need assistance with the cleanup, please give us a call at 916-285-7257, we are available 24/7 and are committed to bringing you the utmost care as quickly and professionally as possible.