One of the scariest things that can happen to a homeowner is seeing their home engulfed in flames.
However, the aftermath of the fire is even more devastating. Ruined furniture, rooms blackened by smoke, and carpets drenched in water.
These are typical after-fire scenes that can make even the most competent person feel overwhelmed. Add to that dealing with the authorities and insurance company and it’s even more bewildering.
What are the best ways to deal with the recovery process and the fire damage clean up?
If you’re wondering what to do, keep reading. This article will give you the top five tips on dealing with house fire damage.
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
In the best case scenario, you have insurance for your home. Contacting your agent will be the first step to recovering your home’s contents and value.
Ask what the policy covers to repair the damage. You may need to contribute from your savings if it doesn’t cover everything. Expect the insurance company to visit and inspect your home.
2. Deal with the House Fire Damage
Your second step will be to dispose of any permanently damaged items inside your home. This can include furniture that’s burnt beyond repair, debris from the walls or staircase, and burnt curtains.
Electrical fires in the home are often started by small appliances such as space heaters. Keep in mind as well that any appliances that have been soaked in water are too dangerous to use after a fire.
You can also schedule the repainting and reinstallations now.
3. Deal with Water Damage
Aside from removing any burnt items from inside your house, you should also remove items that have been soaked in water to prevent further damage. Try to dry out the home by opening windows and doors so that air can circulate.
4. Consult a Professional
There’s only so much you can do on your own, so the next step should be approaching companies and professionals that are experts in damage assessment and cleanup.
Although the fire officers may have cleared the house as safe, you may still have underlying issues like mold or soaked insulation. Fire cleanup services can help.
A company that specializes in crime scene cleanup is even better, as they are used to dealing with difficult jobs.
5. Deal with Smoke Damage
The smoke from a fire usually leaves discoloration on ceilings and walls. Smoke damage clean up is one of the simpler steps in cleaning after a house fire. Smoke and soot removal can often be done without needing to call a professional.
For black marks and stains, you can try 4 to 6 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and 1 cup of chlorine bleach or household cleaner. Carpets may also need special cleaning.
How to Protect Your Home
Now hopefully you understand how to deal with house fire damage and its effects. Often when disaster strikes, many people are unprepared. In order to protect your home, make sure you have the right insurance for unexpected events like a fire.
Read our guide on the top types of insurance everyone should have to make sure you’re covered in an emergency.