There is very little more devastating than dealing with the aftermath of a fire that damages or destroys your home or business. After the fire, examining the aftermath can be very an emotional process, and you may be shocked at what you find inside. You may discover floors that are weakened and so soft you feel they may collapse. You will be able to identify the path of the fire and the resulting smoke damage. You will see blackened and charred walls, floors, ceilings and more.

This is the point that you will ponder your next steps. Can you clean the damage? Will you have to demolish and rebuild? How much of your home or business can be salvaged?

Contact Your Insurance Company

Immediately after the fire, you will need to call your insurance agent. He or she will help you file your claim and advise you regarding your next steps and coverages. Usually, your insurance will cover your structure and its contents. However, coverages vary across policies, so ask in-depth questions and follow the procedures outlined by your agent.

When you file your claim you will need to provide:

• Date of loss
• Location
• The extent of the damage
• Contents damaged
• Cause of loss
• Official reports (such as police reports)

I filed the Insurance Claim – What’s Next?

Once you have filed your damage claim with the insurance company, it’ s time to call in the fire and smoke damage repair and restoration company. It is important to call immediately as you typically only have about seventy-two hours until the damage leaves a permanent mark.

Most fire damage and restoration teams are quickly dispatched to your home or business. They will access the extent of the damage and evaluate for residues to provide a thorough estimate. Your project manager will provide a detailed quote and plan, and once you agree, the restoration team can begin to bring your home or business back into order.

The Restoration Process

Once your building has been cleared by the fire marshals, the restorations professionals will board up your windows with plywood and tarp where appropriate.

They will work to remove the smoke smell, repair the fire damage and to give you the peace of mind that your home or commercial building have been given the best care during a difficult time.

The bottom line is that you need to respond quickly and hire a competent professional team that you trust.