Home Fire Damage: What To Expect in the First Few Hours

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Doylestown, PA

Recovering from a home fire is often a lengthy and stressful process. Fire and smoke damage can cause significant property destruction and inconvenience. This discussion may prepare you for what occurs once the fire is out.

Safety Inspection 

When fire professionals determine the fire is safely extinguished, they will survey the damage to determine when residents can enter. The inspection will likely include these elements: 

Electrical System – Your electrical panel will likely need to be disengaged until the damage is assessed and water is completely removed. When fire cleanup begins, a generator or other safe power source will be provided by fire restoration crews.
Hazards – Fires can create dangerous structural obstacles or chemical spills. These hazards will be cordoned off by fire professionals before you can enter the home.
Structural Damage – The structural integrity of your floors, walls, and stairways will be assessed. There may be areas of your home you are unable to enter right away. 

The fire inspector will enter the home with you and will explain the scope of the damage. From there, you can begin gathering the help you need to for the fire cleanup and restoration phase.

Professional Assistance 
Most fires cause enough damage that a fire restoration service is needed to perform the cleanup. Specialists are trained to safely clean, dry, and disinfect your property. Attempting the cleaning yourself is discouraged unless you have very minimal damage. 

Insurance Consult
Once you understand the extent of the damage, it’s important to contact your homeowner’s insurance agent. They are a good resource and can answer many of your initial questions. They will outline the process for initiating a claim and explain the parameters of your coverage.
Experiencing a fire, followed by fire cleanup and property restoration is a disruptive experience for your entire household. It is helpful to allow fire inspectors, insurance agents, and fire remediation experts help you through the first few hours and days of the aftermath. They are your best resources for keeping the process moving as you return your Doylestown, PA, home, and household to normal.