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- Fire Damage Do's and Don'ts
Fire Damage Do's and Don'ts
By 123Cleanup.com
Fire damage is one kind of home emergency that should not be trifled with. The truth is that this particular kind of damage needs to be restored with a specific set of techniques. The failure to do so can make the property susceptible to even more destruction. Worse, it can expose the occupants or the people conducting the restoration to harm.
Do turn off the source of electricity
It makes sense to shut off power when the house has just been damaged by fire. The reason for this is that the property may be waterlogged from the hoses of firefighters. The mixture of water and electricity can lead to injury, and even death. Even if the flooding does not reach the height of electrical outlets, there is still the potential for people to get electrocuted or a fire starting. If the electricity is turned off, the contents in the refrigerators and freezers should be removed. The doors of these items should be opened in order to provide circulation and prevent a rotten smell from building up.
Do contact a professional
This may seem like a pretty cut and dried move considering the amount of work needed to restore the property after a fire. However, there are some considerations about what kind of professional to get in touch with and what to expect from them. First, make sure to only conduct business with licensed professionals with the proper affiliations. This not only gives the assurance that they can produce quality work, but also provides the additional guarantee that the client can easily get in touch with them should something go wrong. It is best to get at least three different quotes to see what others have to offer and which price range works best with the budget.
Don't forget the paperwork
Make sure to save all the receipts from the repairs done in the property because of the fire. Even temporary repairs need to be recorded because it will help make the claims process with the insurance company easier. In addition to this, make sure to document the extent of the damage before starting with any kind of restoration process. It is a standard practice with insurance companies to ask for proof, either through pictures, videos, or general descriptions, of the extent of the damage. To be on the safe side, find out from the insurance company if they require any additional requirements before starting with the repairs.
Don't ignore other damaged items
The repair of fire damage should be done with totality. This means that the repairs should not be done just on the parts of the property that shows visible signs of being affected by the tire. Most people make the mistake of ignoring the airconditioning or ventilation systems in the restoration process. After a fire, these systems should be given a thorough inspection as well as cleaning and repair if there is a need for it. Also, before occupying the structure, all the utility lines such as water, electricity, and gas should be inspected to see if they are still safe.
