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While no one anticipates a fire occurring, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that in 2020, a single home caught fire every 89 seconds, and a fire department responded to a fire event somewhere in the United States every 23 seconds.
It’s worth noting that even the smallest fire can wreak havoc on your home. Further, if your property experiences this disaster, the fire damage restoration process must be set in motion as soon as possible to prevent more costly and extensive issues.
It’s never easy to deal with the aftermath of a fire. With this brief fire and water restoration guide, we’ll delve into how to regain a sense of control after experiencing a fire so you can get your property and life back to normal.
What Should Homeowners Do After a Fire Event?
Feeling confused, overwhelmed, and even distressed after witnessing a fire in your home is only natural. However, it also helps to remember that acting fast is crucial in preventing further damage to your property and keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.
The first and most important thing to do after a fire is to call your insurance company. They will guide you on the next steps they want you to take, such as protecting the property, documenting the damage, and contacting a team specializing in fire damage restoration in Kansas City.
A certified fire damage restoration team can help you restore your property to the safe and healthy structure it once was. Here’s a brief outline of the process:
Damage Assessment
Once they arrive, fire and smoke damage restoration crews inspect all rooms to evaluate the damage left by fire and smoke, as well as water from the firefighting efforts.
Temporary Board-Ups and Tarp-Overs
The necessary steps are then taken to secure your home, keep intruders out, and prevent theft or vandalism during the restoration process. Restoration companies do this by either installing temporary board-ups and roof cover-ups, placing temporary fencing, or adding bracing to support the structure.
Water Removal and Drying
Removing excess water and drying the property is crucial in the fire and water restoration process. Professionals tackle this step as quickly as possible with the right equipment to prevent extensive water damage and microbial growth.
Removing Damaged Components
Fire and smoke damage restoration technicians also remove components that can no longer be restored. These include floor coverings, drywall and insulation, and other building materials affected by water or soot.
Soot Removal and Odor and Contamination Treatment
Repair and restoration teams use professional tools and proven solutions to remove soot for salvageable structures and components. They may also use odor counteractants to address possible microbial contamination.
Salvageable Content Restoration
Restoration teams can look for salvageable materials after a fire and restore as many of your belongings as possible. They also have the tools and facilities to preserve your valuables and store them in a safe place while the restoration process is ongoing.
Property Restoration
Ultimately, a certified fire and water restoration team will also handle minor repairs like carpeting installations and wallboard replacements to major projects, such as restoring your HVAC and plumbing systems and rebuilding your rooms.
Finding the Right Fire Damage Restoration Experts
Now that you know what to do after an emergency and what the fire damage restoration process usually involves, finding an experienced restoration team is a next step.
After you’ve survived a fire, the last thing you want is to receive poor workmanship and return to an unsafe and unhealthy property. This is why it’s crucial to do the following when looking for fire and smoke damage restoration companies:
- Check their reviews to learn how they treat their clients.
- Ensure they are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. An IICRC certification proves that the company is insured and has well-trained and licensed restoration professionals.
- Confirm that they can start working on your property immediately.
If you are looking for IICRC and IAQA-certified fire and smoke damage experts available 24/7, Restoration 1 of Kansas City is here for you. Our professionals are ready to provide swift and first-rate fire damage restoration services to your home around the clock. Call us today and get your life back to normal in no time.
