How Serious Can Fire Damage Get And What To Do About It

When it comes to your home or business, the last thing you want to deal with is fire and the resulting damage. However, it is a possibility and one you should be prepared for. It is scary and destructive and can leave you feeling extremely vulnerable. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the event, you may even be left with some trauma and negative associations with fire.

While it may take some time to move past the event itself, there are things you can do to deal with the fire damage and restore some normalcy to your life.

First, you need to understand just how serious fire door damage can be. A fire can completely undermine the structural security of a building, making it possible for things like walls and roofs to collapse. The residual smoke and soot can also make you extremely sick. That is why you should handle the situation properly right after it happens.

What To Do About Fire Damage

While the hope is you’ll never have to deal with a fire to any building or property that you own, it’s best to be prepared. Fires are a high-pressure, anxiety-inducing situation and it’s certainly not the time to be putting things together last minute.

Rather than waiting until one actually happens and then being in the dark make preparations early. Having insurance that covers fire is important. Fires can happen with no fault on your part, they can also grow in intensity very quickly and cause maximum damage. These tips will help you handle the damage after the event of Fire Doors.

1. Wait to Enter

This is important. Even if your home or business looks fine, you should wait for the proper authorities to tell you it is safe to enter. The structure may be unstable and can collapse. Fires can also start again even if they seem to be out. Sometimes they reach underlayers and it is harder to kill them completely. Wait until you’ve been given the all-clear before entering to avoid possible injury or further damage.

2. Contact The Right People

You of course will need to call the fire department but you also need to call a disaster relief company to come and assess the damage. You should make a point to call your loved ones to let them know that you’re safe and well. Calling your insurance agency is also important as you need to let them know the situation. They will walk you through the procedures as well as help with lodging and your other needs.

3. Begin The Cleanup Process

Once you’ve got the all-clear, it’s time to start cleaning up. Things like smoke, soot, and fire extinguisher residue are difficult to remove. Using a company that specializes in restoration after fire damage is key. They have the necessary tools to clean up excess soot and other residues that you simply cannot clean on your own. Make sure to open windows and talk about linens and other materials to be washed.

4. Secure The Property

Secure the property from further damage and possible theft and looting. People may see the opportunity to raid your place after the fire. Get windows, doors and other openings sealed to prevent persons from getting inside. This will also protect against the weather conditions and things like cats, dogs, and bugs from getting inside.

5. Get A Copy of The Fire Report

For your insurance purposes and other legal processes make sure to get a copy of the fire report. If the fire department is not able to provide it, they will direct you to where you can get it from. You should have this on you at all times.

6. Take Care of Important Items

For things like credit cards, documents, and other valuables work on getting them replaced if possible. You should cancel credit cards before replacing them. Your passport and IDs should be at the top of the list. Make it a point to cancel credit cards and have new ones issued. Try to make a list of all the documents and things that need to be replaced and work on the list in order.

A fire in your home or commercial property can cause stress, heightened emotions, depression, and other issues. Along with taking care of the property, make sure to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. See a healthcare provider and a therapist where needed. Don’t feel pressured to fix everything all at one time. Take things step by step and have the right team of professionals to help you through the process. You should also have family and friends close by that you can lean on.