Returning Home After a Fire
Coming back to your home after evacuation due to a fire is a challenging experience, both emotionally and practically. To assist you in this process and ensure a safe and smooth return, here are some recommendations from a restoration company:
Prioritize Safety
Before reentering your home, ensure that local authorities have given the green light for your return.
Wear appropriate protective gear like masks, gloves, and sturdy footwear to minimize exposure to potential hazards such as smoke residue or debris.
Assessment
Inspect the exterior of your home for any visible damage, including signs of structural compromise like sagging roofs or walls.
Thoroughly check for smoke or fire damage
Even if flames didn't directly reach your home, smoke can cause significant harm. Before allowing pets, children, or individuals with health issues back inside, assess your home's condition. Vacuum and clean floors and horizontal surfaces to remove fire contaminants.
Utilities and Services
Do not attempt to turn on utilities (gas, electricity, water) until professionals have inspected and cleared them.
Contact utility companies to conduct safety checks and restore services.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all damaged areas; these will be crucial for insurance claims and working with restoration professionals.
Contact Your Insurance
Notify your insurance company as soon as possible and document all communication, including claim numbers and contact information.
Professional Assessment
Arrange for a Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Company to assess the extent of the damage and provide a detailed report and restoration plan.
Mitigation
Begin mitigation measures promptly to prevent further damage. This may include tarping roofs, boarding up damaged windows, changing your furnace filter, vacuuming floors and horizontal surfaces, and setting up air purifiers.
Health Concerns
Be mindful of air quality and potential health risks. If the air smells smoky or you experience respiratory issues, limit exposure and wear a mask.
Clean-Up and Restoration
Collaborate closely with your chosen restoration company to prioritize tasks, focusing on debris removal, cleaning, and restoring salvageable items.
Discard irreparable items, particularly those with strong smoke odor.
Personal Belongings
Clean and sanitize items you intend to keep, with special attention to soft materials like fabric and upholstery.
Consider professional dry cleaning for clothing and linens to eliminate smoke odor.
Structural Repairs
Follow the recommendations of structural engineers and restoration professionals for repairs, which may involve rebuilding damaged sections of your home.
Emotional Support
Returning to a fire-damaged home can be emotionally taxing. Seek support from friends, family, or mental health professionals if needed.
Prevention for the Future
Take this opportunity to review your emergency preparedness plans and make any necessary updates.
Consider fire-resistant landscaping and materials for future home improvements.
Remember that the restoration process can be time-consuming, and patience is essential. By collaborating closely with professionals and adhering to safety protocols, you can effectively navigate the aftermath of a fire and restore your home to a safe and habitable condition.
