Fire Damage Restoration Guide

What Should You Do After a House Fire?

Firefighters will often work with other emergency responders like police officers, paramedics, and utility workers during these initial stages of recovery.

Once the fire has been put out, it's time for cleanup! Most homeowners don't realize how much work goes into cleaning up after a house fire — soot stains everywhere and debris piled up in every room. To make things even more complicated, water damage from fire hoses or sprinklers may need fixing before moving back into your home or even a space within your home.

Your company will send an adjuster if you're lucky enough to have insurance. The adjuster will assess the damage and determine how much money will be needed for repairs or rebuilding. They'll also help you file a claim with the insurance company to get reimbursed for your losses.

Remain calm. If there are no injuries involved, take deep breaths and remain calm. Remember that this is only temporary, and everything will be okay in time. Don't freak out and cause more damage by trying to clean up the mess while you still have adrenaline pumping through your veins.

Secure Your Property and Belongings

As soon as possible, secure your property from further damage. If there's a fire or water leak in your home, shut off your electricity and gas at the main panel and call an electrician or plumber for assistance. If you suspect that any of your belongings are contaminated by smoke or soot, place them on a tarp or plastic sheet in an outdoor area with good ventilation and leave them until they can be cleaned. The same goes for mattresses -- move them outside immediately.

Take pictures of everything before it's cleaned up or thrown away — this includes appliances, furniture, and other personal belongings damaged in the fire. You'll need these photos when filing insurance claims or making repairs later down the road.

Call your insurance company immediately after any disaster strikes. They'll direct you on how to file a claim and what type of documentation they need from professionals involved in the cleanup process (such as contractors). Insurance companies are used to working with Tidal Wave Response and other fire restoration services. Tidal Wave Response services can work directly with most insurance companies, so you don't need to. You can stay focused on your family.

Cleaning Up Your Property

Do not attempt to clean up your home until it has been declared safe by local authorities. It is essential to call 911 immediately if you believe that there is a fire hazard at your home or business.

Once the area is deemed safe, and all utilities have been shut off, it's time to start cleaning up your property. The following items will help you get started:

• Disinfectants - Disinfectants are used to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces that may have been exposed to smoke or soot.
• Broom & Dustpan - A broom can clean up loose debris from hardwood floors, carpets, and drywall dust from ceilings and walls. A dustpan can be used to collect debris from carpets and upholstery.
• Scrub Brush - A scrub brush can be used on porous surfaces like tile, grout, or wood trimming to remove stubborn stains caused by soot or smoke damage.
• Vacuum Cleaner - A vacuum cleaner is useful for removing fine debris such as ash particles that may have settled on furniture, curtains, or draperies after a house fire.

Let The Professional Clean!

Once you have the house secured and have left, don't worry. You can handle this if you hire the right people to help. Tidal Wave Response specializes in fire restoration services. Above all, remember that you can recover from such a disaster. The restoration painters will come into your home, restore it to its previous state, and help you move on with your life. Let them do their jobs as soon as possible.