Powering Through the Fire Damage Restoration Process

5/2/2017 (Permalink)

Your home is partially damaged in a blaze, but fortunately, you will be able to move back in. Undergoing professional fire damage restoration will save you from having to figure out how to dry carpets, drapery, and furniture, remove soot, and repair structural damage. During this tumultuous time, you and your family will be able to take control by following these tips.

Names and Contact Information

Get a folder and a notebook and be prepared to hoard everything related to the fire. Write down the name and contact information of every helpful person you encounter. Continue using the notebook to track financial transactions and conversations with insurance representatives, contractors, and all other related interactions. Be sure to write the date, time, full name, subject, and next steps for each conversation. Put the business cards, reports, forms, contracts, etc. you receive in the folder. Knowing the status of all aspects of recovery will help you feel powerful in a time of despair.

Let People Know About Your Situation

When family and friends hear the news, they will want to help! Tell them what you need and be specific. If your clothing is not salvageable, let them see the specific sizes and types you want. Many people use crowdfunding websites to arrange donations and tell their stories. Some choose registries that allow people to purchase specific items. Use pictures of the damage to show the need. The more your loved ones know, the better they can direct support.

Don't forget to keep track of donations so you can follow up with a Thank You when you are back on your feet. You will also want to arrange a storage space for donated items while you wait to move home.

Temporary Housing

If you do not have anywhere to stay while your home is undergoing fire damage restoration, reach out to local hotels to see if they offer free nights for fire survivors. Take advantage of emergency and recovery organizations. They will help you access a web of connections and available necessities.

Salvaging Keepsakes

You've survived physically unharmed, but what about your belongings? When fire damage restoration professionals allow you to enter your home, you will want to find and remove the most treasured items. After photo-documenting everything you can safely approach, remove the items you want to keep in large plastic bags.

When you find documents that are wet and stuck together, float them in a tub of water to separate them. Follow up by hanging to dry or laying out on a flat surface.

Clothing and furniture that may be smoke damaged should be checked by your fire damage restoration consultants to help you decide whether to keep or toss them. You can treat smoke-scented clothing by soaking and washing in a mixture of water and vinegar.

Make Your Claim

After you have photographed your home, make a list of everything you have lost. Think of your house room by room to make sure you are not missing anything. Work with your family to ensure all perspectives are included. Create a table that includes the name, value, approximate date purchased, and retailer for each item. It is preferable to do this in digital form so you can update easily and share with your insurance agent.

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