6 FAQ About Fire Damage

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

If your property faces a fire loss, let SERVPRO® help. Give us a call today!

If you've ever been through a fire, you know the feeling. Your heart races and your mind spins out of control as you frantically try to figure out what to do next. But if you don't have the right knowledge, the stress can feel even worse than the fire itself. We are here to help answer some of the most common questions about fire damage.

How long will it take to repair my fire damage?

The length of time it takes to repair your fire damage will depend on the extent of the damage. If your property has been completely destroyed, it may take several days or weeks to complete repairs. However, if only a few things were damaged in a small area of your home, repairs could take much less time. We can give you an estimate once we've assessed the damage and discussed your needs with you in person.

Will You Handle the Entire Process?

Yes. Our team will handle the entire process from start to finish, beginning with a full assessment of your property and ending with cleanup, repairs, and restoration. We’ll work closely with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the best coverage possible, and we’ll be there every step of the way answering questions or helping you through difficult decisions.

Do I Need to Move Out?

The answer to this question depends on the extent of the damage done to your home after the fire. It also depends on your level of comfort. If the damage is severe and your property is either missing electricity and running water or the structure is unstable, you may need to relocate during the restoration process. If the damage is minor and only affects a room or two, you can stay in your home while we restore your property.

What About My Belongings?

It's best not to pack up your belongings before we arrive, as moving them around can cause more damage to them. If you have items that can't be repaired or replaced, it's better if they're left untouched until after we complete the restoration process. We will carefully pack away any damaged items and store them in a secure and climate-controlled location until we're done with the repairs.

There are a few items we recommend you pack up following a fire. These include:

• Mediations
• Personal Documents
• Cash, Checkbooks, and Credit Cards
• Family Valuables

Remember, only pack up these items if they are unaffected by any fire damage.

Can I Turn on My HVAC Unit?

When the fire happened, you should stop using all of your appliances until the damage is repaired. This includes furnaces and air conditioners, as they can spread soot and other contaminants throughout your home. After repairs are complete and the unit has been inspected, it's safe to turn on these units.

What is Involved in Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire and smoke damage restoration is a process of cleaning and repairing damaged property. It is important to get the restoration process started as soon as possible, as it can lead to secondary damage if left unchecked.

Damage can be caused by fire, smoke, water, or mold. In addition to these common causes of damage, there are many others such as electrical issues; animal infestations; pests such as termites or roaches; vandalism, and damage from the outdoor elements.

Fire Damage is Stressful.

If you’re facing fire damage to your property, it can be hard to know what to do first. Knowing what to expect when dealing with fire damage can help alleviate some of this stress. That’s why we’ve provided this guide to help you understand the process better. We hope that by reading through these Frequently Asked Questions, you will feel more confident about handling this stressful situation.