Fire Restoration Checklist: Steps to Restore Your Property

Experiencing a fire can be devastating, but knowing the steps to take afterwards can make the recovery process smoother. Follow this comprehensive Fire Restoration Checklist to ensure your property is restored safely and efficiently.

1. Immediate Safety First:

• Do not re-enter your property until it's declared safe by authorities.
• Turn off utilities (gas, electricity, water) until professionals have inspected them.

2. Documentation:

• Photograph and document all fire damage for insurance claims.
• Keep a record of all communications with your insurance company.

3. Contact Professionals:

• Reach out to a fire restoration company for a damage assessment.
• Consult with your insurance company about recommended restoration services.

4. Water Damage Assessment:

• Fires often result in water damage from firefighting efforts. Address water damage immediately to prevent mold growth.

5. Smoke and Soot Removal:

• Prioritize areas affected by smoke and soot. These can be harmful and further damage your property.

6. Property Cleaning:

• Clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Specialized equipment may be needed to remove smoke odors.

7. Item Restoration:

• Determine which items can be restored and which need to be discarded.
• Clean, deodorize, and restore salvageable items.

8. Structural Repairs:

• Repair structural damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Consider repainting walls and replacing damaged flooring.

9. Safety Inspections:

• Have professionals inspect electrical systems, gas lines, and appliances before use.
• Check smoke alarms and replace if necessary.

10. Final Review:

• Walk through your property to ensure all restoration tasks have been completed.
• Consult with restoration professionals about any lingering concerns.

Remember, while it's essential to act quickly after a fire, safety should always be the top priority. Rely on professionals for guidance and support throughout the fire restoration process.

How Long Does Fire Restoration Take?

The duration of the fire restoration process can vary significantly based on the extent and severity of the fire damage. It can take anywhere from a few days to several months. On average:

• Minor Fire Damage: Restoration for small, contained fires can take a few days to a week. This includes smoke odor removal, cleaning, and minor repairs.
• Moderate Fire Damage: For fires that cause more extensive damage to a room or area, the restoration process might last several weeks. This involves more in-depth smoke and soot removal, water extraction, structural repairs, and possibly remodeling.
• Severe Fire Damage: In cases where a fire has affected a large portion of a property or caused significant structural damage, restoration can take several months. This includes major reconstruction, extensive cleaning, and addressing potential water and mold issues.

It's essential to consult with a professional fire restoration company for a precise timeline, as each situation is unique. Regardless of the duration, the primary goal is to ensure the property is safe, clean, and restored to its pre-fire condition.

Health Risks of Fire, Smoke and Soot

Along with assessing the damage, it’s important to understand the risks to your health and safety following a home fire or business fire.

Steps to Address Health Risks After a Fire:

1. Assessment First:

• Recognize the importance of understanding health risks after a fire, beyond just the visible damage.

2. Safety Precautions:

• Avoid re-entering your home or business until authorities confirm it's safe.
• Once inside, refrain from turning on utilities (gas, water, lights) until given clearance.

3. Be Aware of Hidden Dangers:

• Understand that soot and residual water can contain harmful toxins, contaminants, and microbes.
• Avoid touching or handling damaged items.
• Resist the urge to clean damaged areas yourself.

4. The Soot Hazard:

• Recognize that soot, even if not always visible, poses significant health risks.
• Inhalation can lead to respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis.
• Soot contains harmful chemicals such as ammonia, tar, and formaldehyde.
• Be aware that prolonged exposure to soot increases risks like cancer and carbon monoxide poisoning.

5. Professional Restoration:

• Engage experts to clean, restore, and repair your property and belongings.

6. Insurance Steps:

• Initiate the claims process with your insurance provider.
• Document the damage: taking photos of all affected areas can expedite your claim.

Reclaim Your Life after a Fire:  Professional Fire Restoration 

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can feel overwhelming. Take the first step in getting your home or business back in order by calling a restoration specialist. Independently certified and specially trained, the Restoration Pros at COIT are ready to respond to your emergency calls 24/7.

With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we understand that the sooner we can get into your home or business to start assessing the fire damage, the faster we can help you get your life back. 

Our restoration professionals work quickly and expertly to inspect your property and create a plan for restoring your home or business. We’ll also conduct a detailed inventory of affected items, determine which ones can be restored, and pack them out to be safely returned to you after restoration. 

Once damaged portions of the structure have been removed, our restoration specialists begin the process of removing harmful soot, smoke, odors, as well as any water. After the restoration process is complete, we’ll return and replace your personal items with the utmost care and respect.

You don’t have to face the damage from a fire alone. COIT’s restoration specialists are here to help guide you through the process and restore your life as well as property.

Call the PROs at COIT for a professional clean!