4 Things to Do After a Fire

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Leffingwell, CA.

Things You Must Do After A Fire

A fire can be a trying time for a business owner. Knowing how to react afterward can protect your business from unexpected threats, like looting. Here is a list of things you must do after a fire.

1. Prepare Yourself
After the event, there will likely be serious fire damage. Your building will have extensive damage from the flames, smoke, heat, and water. Anything that was not burnt by the fire will likely be soaked with water. All of your equipment will need to undergo content cleaning before it looks like you remember. There will be holes in the walls. You will probably also see holes in the roof. Take a minute to prepare yourself for this sight before returning to your building.

2. Use Caution
You must use caution when entering a building that has seen fire damage. Any soot or smoke particles can be harmful to your health if inhaled. Avoid touching any damaged items and stirring up these particles. Always wait for permission from the fire department before entering your building.

3. Secure the Building
Do not enter a building with fire damage until you have been permitted to do so. This is because fires can restart even if they look like they are out. After entering, look for damage. Secure any holes that were cut into the exterior.
Also, check with the Leffingwell, CA fire department to see if you can use the utilities. If not, have them turned off. Do not turn them on until it is safe to do so.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediately contact your insurance agent. Ask them what you are allowed to do before the agent arrives to perform an inspection. Some may let you pump water out.
After this, ask what else you can do. Some will want a detailed list of items that were damaged. Include everything and the original prices of the items. Others will recommend that you contact a professional remediation company to get that process started.
Getting the fire cleanup process can seem like a daunting task. However, following these steps will get you started.