There you are going on with life when your home catches fire in Tampa Bay. After your loved ones and pets have been safely evacuated and the smoke clears, you see the extent of the damage and start to panic. Not only is there substantial fire and smoke damage, but there’s water damage too!
If you’re unsure what to do or where to start, don’t worry. Take a deep breath. We wrote this step-by-step guide to tell homeowners what they should do when faced with fire-damaged establishments. Below, we’ll provide 7 suggestions for what to do immediately after a fire and what to avoid.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Fire Damaged in Your Home
1. Keep Your Family Safe
Last year, 2,265 lives were lost from residential house fires*. This number includes fatalities from fire damages, including smoke inhalation and premature entry into the property.
No matter how much you want to reenter your home, always wait for the fire department or a fire damage inspector to give permission for reentry. Failure to abide by this regulation may result in building collapse.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you “feel fine”, it’s always smart to err on the side of caution. Take your family to a medical professional for a thorough evaluation as soon as possible. If you have any pets present during the fire, take them to the veterinarian.
3. Take Pictures and Video
Document everything! We cannot stress this enough. To secure maximum coverage, you need to prove there were substantial damages.
Photos (and videos) will showcase how bad the damage is. Then create a list of items, serial numbers, and item values to be submitted with the photos and videos. Be thorough with this process.
4. Obtain a Copy of the Fire Report
Visit your local fire department to get a copy of the fire report for your property. This document is essential for legal purposes and helps support your insurance claim.
5. Call DRIRITE® for Fire Damage Clean-up and Restoration
The restoration company will send an emergency response team to your home as soon as you call. Technicians will then secure windows, doors, and other exposed areas to eliminate additional damages, squatters, and pests.
When it’s daylight, and a thorough evaluation can be performed, a certified and experienced fire restoration company like DRIRITE® will start the following steps:
- The Assessment
- Remediation
- Removing Smoke and Soot
- Corrosion Mitigation
- Mold and Mildew Cleanup
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Restoration
Related Article: Top 10 Reasons to Choose DriRite for Restoration in Tampa Bay
6. Find a Safe Place to Stay
No matter the size of the fire, or the extent of the damage, you need to make arrangements to stay somewhere else. Before it is safe to live in again, you’ll need a property inspection and cleaning to remove any soot, smoke, ash, and burned materials that may impact the air quality and living conditions.
Pro Tip: Ask your insurance company how they can help you with temporary housing and accommodations.
Dealing with the Aftermath of a House Fire in Tampa? We’re Here to Help
If you’ve recently experienced a fire and you suffered property damage as a result, we’re here to help. At DRIRITE®, we offer high-quality, reliable, and experienced fire damage restoration in Tampa to help you fully recover after a tragedy or disaster.
Whether you experience fire, smoke, mold, or Water Damage in Tampa, we’re ready to help. We’re one of the best fire damage, water damage, and mold remediation companies in Tampa.
We use the right equipment, follow the right protocols, are dedicated to the highest service standards, and are certified experts in our respective fields. With DRIRITE®’s help, restoration is right around the corner. Contact us today for immediate assistance — we can’t wait to help you!
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Campbell is a highly experienced professional specializing in structural drying, mold remediation, and environmental consulting. With certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER, council-certified microbial remediator, and state of Florida licensed mold remediator, he offers tailored solutions to clients at DriRite. With specialized training from the IICRC, Mike is equipped with advanced skills in categories such as applied structural drying, commercial drying, and water damage restoration. This expertise allows him to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to water-related issues. His dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise makes him a valuable resource in the field.
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