5 Tasks to Complete Following Fire Damage in Deseret, UT

No one ever expects to experience a house fire, but unfortunately, it can happen to anyone. A fire can be devastating and cause emotional trauma and financial loss. In the aftermath of a house fire, homeowners may find it difficult to know what to do next. Taking the right steps immediately is essential to ensure everyone's safety and minimize the fire's damage.

ServiceMaster of Deseret is here to provide uncomplicated yet crucial to-dos after a devastating fire. In addition, we will highlight ourprofessional restoration services that can help homeowners with fire and smoke damage restoration.

1. Prioritize Your Safety

If you experience a house fire, the first thing you should do is ensure the safety of everyone involved. Evacuate the premises immediately and call 911 to report the fire.

When everyone is safe, you can take the following steps:

• Wait for Official Clearance: Don't re-enter your home until it has been inspected for safety by a professional. It's crucial to ensure your home is safe and structurally sound before returning inside. A professional inspection will help identify any potential hazards or damage that may not be immediately apparent.
• Wear Protective Gear: Before re-entering your home, always wear protective clothing, including gloves, closed-toe shoes, and a mask, when you enter your home. This will provide extra protection against potential hazards, such as debris, mold, or harmful substances present after a disaster. Don't underestimate the importance of protecting yourself while assessing the situation.
• Turn Off Electricity: Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to turn off your home's utilities, such as water, gas, and electricity. This step is crucial to prevent any further damage or potential hazards. It's important to know where the main shut-off valves are located and how to turn them off safely. If you're unsure, it's best to consult with a professional or contact the appropriate utility companies for guidance.

Your and your loved ones’ safety should always come first following a house fire or any sort of fire and smoke damage. Listen to fire officials regarding your home and seek the proper temporary lodging if re-entering the property is unsafe for a period.

2. Document the Damage

Documenting the aftermath of a house fire is an essential step in your recovery process. Taking pictures or videos of the damage to your home and belongings is crucial, as these will serve as concrete evidence when you file insurance claims.

You’ll want to ensure you capture the following:

• Wide Shots of Your Property: Begin by taking wide shots that capture the overall damage to rooms and specific areas of your house. Follow this up with close-up shots of individual items. If they're visible, try photographing the make, model, and serial numbers of appliances or electronics. Don't forget to document structural damages like burnt walls, charred furniture, melted fixtures, etc.
• Actual Video of the Damage: Videos can also be beneficial as they provide a walkthrough of the damage, providing a broader context and perspective. Narrate while recording to describe what you're showing and any relevant details about the items or areas.
• All Exteriors: When documenting, cover all areas of your property, including outbuildings and exterior damage. If you have 'before' photos or videos of your home, keep them handy as they can provide a clear contrast to the extent of damage caused by the fire.

This thorough documentation will assist your insurance company in assessing the claim accurately, helping ensure you receive a fair reimbursement for the damages and losses caused by the fire. It's advisable to securely back up these photos and videos by uploading them to a cloud service to ensure they're not lost or damaged.

Additionally, if it's safe to do so, and you have obtained permission from the fire department or your insurance adjuster, consider removing undamaged items from your home. This can prevent them from sustaining further damage during the cleanup process or from exposure to the elements. However, ensure each item is listed and photographed to maintain a complete inventory before moving it.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire and request assistance filing a claim. Your insurance provider will work with you to assess the damage, guide the claims process, and reimburse you for damages covered by your policy.

Remember, dealing with a house fire can be overwhelming, and it's essential to ask for help, especially during a potentially complicated claims process. Our team can help guide you through the insurance claims process to ensure you take the necessary actions toward a comprehensive recovery.

4. Choose a Certified Professional

Selecting a certified professional, like ServiceMaster of Deseret, for fire damage restoration in Deseret, UT is crucial to restoring your home to its pre-fire condition. Finding a professional who can offer comprehensive services, including water removal, debris cleanup, smoke and soot removal, and odor elimination, is critical. Professional restoration professionals will have specialized equipment and cleaning products to help ensure fast and complete recovery.

5. Don't Wait to Begin the Restoration Process

Once your safety is guaranteed, it's vital to begin the restoration process immediately. The longer you wait, the more extensive the damage can become, and the more time, money, and commitment required to restore your home. Whether the damage is small or extensive, be proactive and hire a professional restoration company to help restore your home.

ServiceMaster of Deseret Is Your Go-To Fire Restoration Provider

A house fire can be a frightening and stressful experience. It's essential to prioritize your safety and well-being after a fire. Remember to document the damages, contact your insurance company, choose a certified professional for fire damage restoration in Deseret, UT, and begin the restoration process as soon as possible.

Fortunately, ServiceMaster of Deseret is a trust restoration service provider that can help you with complex cleaning, installing, and restoring your property to its pre-loss condition after experiencing a fire.