Fire Damage Restoration

1. How long does the fire damage restoration process take place?

In a fire there are several and diverse variables involved in the damage. At times the damage is so extensive that an exact prediction of the whole restoration process can be difficult. However trained and skilled fire damage and restoration professionals are able to give you exact estimates on the phases and dates on how long the process will take for your home or business.

2. Is it wise to clean up fire damage without professional help?

In the absence of proper knowledge and awareness there is a risk indulging in any do-it-yourself fire damage cleaning. The reasons are obvious. You do not know about the right cleaning agents you should use. Pretesting, using proper cleaning agent and mixing cleaning agents with the appropriate deodorizing agents with accurate dilution proportions are necessary in order to avert further risks/damage. There are chances of minor fires breaking out if the above is not exercised under expert guidance. Fire damage restoration professionals are skilled and trained in the above techniques. They are aware of the right methods to address the fire damage and hasten up the fire restoration process of any magnitude.

3. Are there any kind of safety concerns and precautions that you need to keep in mind when engaged in any fire damage restoration process?

Yes, there are some important safety concerns and precautions that you must take when involved in fire damage restoration process of any nature. Safety is considered to be one of the topmost priorities when it comes to the removal of debris, electrical hazards, air circulation, and more. Fire damage in a home or business establishment is a potential ground for danger. Fires are sudden catastrophes that occur and often it has been seen that electrical devices are stilled plugged into their sockets after extinction. There are burnt cords that need to be separated under expert guidance. This requires inspection by professionals who are aware of the right methods. It is advised that power should not be turned on until clearance. This means that you should be away from any air-conditioning or heating device and not switch it on until instructed.

4. In event of fire damage restoration what items can I keep in my possession until the entire restoration process is over?

Before the fire damage restoration process is over you are allowed to keep cash, checkbooks, medications, important personal documents, valuable jewelry, pets, licensed weapons/ammunitions, stamp/coin collections and paintings that are valuable in your possession. It is advised that you make a list of the items that you have. In the case of those items that are non-restorable keep a track of them by making another list. This will help you largely in your insurance claims. Make a list of them and submit a copy to your insurance company. Ensure that you keep your list of non-restorable items with you safely.

5. During the fire damage restoration process do I need to move out of the premises?

This depends on the extent of fire damage caused and your decision to do so. In any fire damage as mentioned above there are specific safety concerns you should keep in mind. They include electrical hazards, odors, noise from equipment damaged, etc. You will need to consider the above before you take the decision of moving out. If you need to move out ensure that you alert all those concerned about your new temporary address. Stop the delivery of milk, newspapers, correspondence etc to the damaged premises; render a notification to public utility services like cable companies, electricity supply, and water supply for the suspension of basic utilities to your premises temporarily.

6. Will fire damage restoration professionals take care of everything or do I need to hire general contractors for the job?

In the case of any fire damage there are some items that cannot be restored by fire damage restoration services. These items include restoring electricity, plumbing, carpet and flooring, painting, installation of windows, doors cabinets etc. Fire restoration professionals are specialized and skilled in restoring your home or office after smoke or fire damage only. In the case of special items like artwork, heirlooms and chinaware it is advised to call in restoration specialists skilled in items of high value. Fire restoration professionals will work with you in your insurance claims for these items.

7. In the event of fire damage do I need to shift or remove my belongings from the premises?

The above depends on the nature and extent of the damage caused. This may seem to be a difficult process for you however with the aid of fire damage restoration professional you are able to ascertain the extent of damage caused and belongings that require to be removed from the premises. Fire damage restoration professionals will work with your insurance agents in the claim management process as well. Even if you need to keep your belongings in storage you are able to access the items that you request to see at a scheduled time.

8. After the fire damage can I safely inspect my home/business establishment?

You must remember that even after the fire has been extinguished from the premises there are dangers that you should be careful of. After a fire never endanger your life or the lives of your family members. If you have children and small pets keep them away and try to protect yourself and family members from stress and fatigue. It should noted that even after the fire dies there are health issues that are caused by dust and smoke particles.

9. What basic safety rules can I follow after a fire event?

It is very important for you to determine the structural stability of the premises damaged by the fire. You need to inspect and recheck the condition of the property in order to ensure its safety. Checking the power supply of the place is mandatory. You also should track wet debris and dispose of any material that is hazardous. It is important for you to use protective gear and bank on fire damage restoration professionals for assistance in case the fire damage is huge.

10. After fire damage should I dispose food?

There are basically three things that you must take note of when it comes to the disposal of food after a fire damage. They are heat, chemicals and fumes. If you have food kept in cans and jars they may seem to be perfect from outside and look edible. However, heat does have tendency of making them unfit for human consumption. Heat tends to activate the growth of bacteria that spoils food. If the heat has been intense jars and cans tend to rupture or spilt. This makes the food in them unsafe to eat. When it comes to fumes released by materials burnt they tend to be toxic and harmful in nature. These fumes contaminate food and those edible items in plastic wraps, cardboard etc must be disposed of immediately. Raw food stored in refrigerators also requires to be disposed of instantly. They can be vegetables or fruits. These food items have a strong propensity to be contaminated by toxic fumes released by burning materials. Chemicals that are deployed by fire fighting agencies to extinguish a fire also contaminate food rendering it unsafe. Not only do these chemicals spoil food but they contaminate cookware as well.

11. I am still concerned about future fire and smoke issues even after the fire has been extinguished?

This is a natural concern as a fire can be a devastating event with the ability to turn your life upside down. Fire restoration professionals and services understand the trauma and this is why they are committed to provide you a fire and smoke warranty after the fire restoration process is over. There are a series of multi-steps that are involved in the process. This ensures that you are safe from future fire and smoke issues in the future. This assurance is issued after the property has been fully restored back into its original state like if the fire had never taken place in the first place. This process involves inspection and checking before the warranty is given to you to comfort you that your property is safe and free from potential fire and smoke hazards.

12. The Fire Department has asked me to board up my property after a fire-how can I do it?

With the aid of professional fire damage restoration services you are able to successfully board up your property without hassles. This process ensures that your property is safe and free from any kind of potential damage in the future.

13. What are “green products” used for fire damage restoration services?

“Green products” are environmentally friendly products that are used for cleaning up the fire damaged premises and items. These products are safe and more effective than the chemicals used in the past. There are a host of fire damage restoration professionals who specialize in the use of green products when it comes to cleaning up a home or business establishment after a fire. These green products are also friendly to the health of your family and pets.

14. How soon the clean up process started after the fire is is extinguished?

The clean up process begins instantly as the soot residue requires to be cleaned as fast as possible. The reason behind this is that during combustion there are volatile vapors and soot residues exposed. They tend to rise and expand via air through a structure. They become deposited and soot layers tend to build on the surfaces. Layers are created and if the process is delayed the fire damage restoration professionals find it difficult to dissolve and remove.

15. After fire damage can I cook in the kitchen?

This depends on the nature and extent of the fire. Even if the kitchen is safe, there are certain precautions that you must take into consideration before cooking. Ensure that the pot handles are turned inward away from the stove edges. It is prudent for you to store flammable liquids like cleaning fluids and gasoline away from fire and heat sources. You need to supervise ovens and gas stoves while cooking and ensure they are turned off when not in use. Fabrics like towels should not be placed near a gas or heating range.

16. How should I store flammable liquid after a fire?

It is prudent not to store flammable liquid in your home. Keep them outside your home, if possible. You are recommended to store flammable liquid in containers that are sealed and safe. They need to be kept away from heat and in case they are stored in the basement you must keep them at least 3 feet away from appliances like hot water heaters or furnaces.

17. After a fire is it safe for me to keep lawn mowers or snow blowers in my home?

No. Lawn mowers and snow blowers have flammable liquids stored inside them and they can release vapors enough to start another fire. It is prudent to keep them away from basements as well. They should be kept outside your home so that the vapors do not ignite and trigger off a potential fire.

18. What is the general safety rules relating to appliances kept in the bathroom and general electricity boards after a fire?

The primary and most important safety rule that you must keep in mind after a fire is that bathroom appliances must be undamaged. You have to ensure that the cords and wires of the bathroom appliances you are using are insulated. Another aspect that you need to check is that these appliances must be kept at a safe distance from water in order to avert any kind of electrical shock hazards to the occupants of the house. When it comes to the electrical boards in your home or business premises ensure that they are neat and tidy and not fused or overloaded with wires. You should never resort to using extension cords for those items that require permanent sources of electricity as this is dangerous and a potent source of fires.