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When You Can’t Stand the Heat: Navigating Fire Recovery and Restoration

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), fires caused approximately $12.3 billion in property damage in 2019 alone.

That being said, with the right professional aid, you can absolutely prevent such disastrous outcomes should your own property catch fire. And if you’re wondering how best to protect yourself and your property in the event that a fire breaks out, we are here to provide you with a guide as to what you may expect … 

What to Expect During Fire Restoration

fire restoration process is typically completed in four steps, designed to comprehensively integrate all aspects of structural recovery.

Specifically, you can expect for your home or commercial property to undergo the following:

  • Inspection: Before our restoration team implements any strategies for fire damage recovery, we will first assess the total impact of the fire in order to determine the extent of the damage, what may or may not be salvageable, and whether soot and/or smoke requires further attention. During this time, we will also take photos and collect a written record of our findings for your insurance company.
  • Prevention: In order to prevent further damage from occurring post-fire, your damaged property will be removed and either disposed of or remediated depending on the state it is currently in. Additionally, this prevention process may include water mitigation if fire rescue teams used large volumes of water to extinguish the flames. This may involve tarping areas of your property or otherwise sealing them off from other outdoor elements.
  • Clean-Up:  Once our team is ready for the official cleaning stage of the process, we will identify, isolate, and remove objects that may not qualify for restoration. We will also begin to implement the necessary repairs to your home or business, as well as use deodorization methods to efficiently neutralize lingering soot or smoke odors.
  • Repair and Renovation: This final step is short, sweet, and to the point — once your structural property has been cleaned and cleared, we can officially begin to repair and renovate as needed to ensure your long-term safety.

The Insurance Claims Process

Did you know that fire and lightning damage accounted for 32.7 percent of property insurance claims in 2018 as reported by the Insurance Information Institute (III)?

After all, contacting your insurance company should always be your first course of action following a fire, even before you call a professional restoration company like ServiceMaster Restoration of First Coast.

Not only will your insurance company be able to tell you what they’ll need to ensure a successful filing, but they may also help you pay for interim living expenses while your property is restored, should it be your home that has suffered fire damage.

That being said, once we’re on-site and your insurance has been notified, our team is equipped to help you navigate the claim filing process should you need further assistance in completing it properly.

The Importance of a Second Opinion

If you do not feel confident your property has been inspected and restored to an optimal condition, or if you have called any other company outside of the ServiceMaster Restoration family, you may find it helpful to receive a second opinion on the completion of the fire damage restoration.

To learn more about how ServiceMaster Restoration of First Coast can help you fully recover from the aftermath of a fire-related emergency or provide a certified second opinion, contact us today by calling (904) 219-0635!

From water removal and remediation to fire restoration or mold remediation, our team is available 24/7 to better ensure your health and safety in the wake of disaster. You should never be left to your own devices when facing an emergency, so call our licensed team today!

Jerry Gentges

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