Fire damage in your home can be a very traumatic experience. It can also be a very confusing one. While it is the hope that a fire will never happen, if you experience one there are certain steps you can take to make the situation easier to manage.
Homeowners often believe that once the fire is extinguished there is little to be done until their insurance company has an adjuster onsite. This is not the case. What is a chaotic and traumatic time can be made more manageable by contacting a mitigation contractor who is IICRC certified in fire / smoke damage. A qualified firm can begin crucial procedures to restore your property. The IICRC is the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This is the group responsible for the standards by which restoration specialists are trained and certified.
Qualified mitigation contractors can aid in cleaning or removing fire damaged areas of the home, deodorization and neutralization of odors from smoke, and effective communication with the insurance adjuster assigned to the claim. What does this mean for you? A less stressful situation (despite the emotional impact you suffer) and a hassle free process of fire / smoke clean up and restoration of your home or business.
Typically, soft goods are the most susceptible to odors and must be handled by a qualified restorative textile specialist. All surfaces within the building should be thoroughly cleaned and deodorized. Some finished materials may be damaged beyond repair and must be removed. Soot must be addressed as soon as possible to minimize secondary damages such as surface corrosion. For example, tub and shower units can be permanently discolored if they are not cleaned as soon as possible.
Fire damage is devastating whether confined to an area or affecting the entire home. When the suppression is complete it is imperative to begin the process of mitigation as quickly as possible.
While the experience of fire damage is not one that is easily faded from memory, it is one that can be made more manageable by choosing an IICRC firm with fire / smoke certified technicians.
Written By: Heather Ricker, Project Manager Octagon Restoration
