How to Handle Restoration After a House Fire

A house fire can be devastating to its victims. If you find yourself in this position, it pays to be aware of what you need to do in order to preserve what you have left. The most important thing to know is that the cleanup and restoration should be handled by a qualified professional. However, there are a few crucial steps that the homeowner can and should take after a house fire — as well as a few “don’ts”:

What to Do After a Fire

1. Shut Off Heating/Air Conditioning

If you have your heater or air conditioner on during a house fire, you should immediately shut them off. Leaving them on will cause soot from the fire to spread all over your house, causing even more damage.

After the fire, you also need to change the filters if you have an HVAC unit. This applies to individual air conditioning units, too, if you have no choice but to keep them on. It is better to have them turned off and open your windows instead.

2. Avoid the Scene of the Fire

It is best to keep your distance from the scene of the fire. The more you move around, the more the soot will become trapped in your carpeting. Experts recommend laying fresh towels on the floor to keep the dirt and debris away from the rest of the house. You will also want to ensure that your hands are clean so you don’t do further damage to anything you may need to touch.

3. Document Everything

For insurance purposes, it is crucial to take photos of the scene of the fire. This proves the damage that was done and will help you file a claim for reimbursement. Any receipts that you accumulate due to losses from the fire will also speed up the collections process with your insurance company.

What Not to Do After a Fire

It is just as important to know what not to do after a fire as it is to know what you should do. Avoiding certain things is the best way to make a horrible situation a little bit easier.

1. Avoid Using Electronics

Using any of the electronics in your home immediately after a fire can have disastrous consequences. This includes trying to clean anything that was damaged. In addition avoid using ceiling fixtures if there is any chance the ceiling is wet.

2. Don’t Wash Anything

Residue from the fire should not be wiped off of the walls until a professional has come in to take a look at the house. A professional will tell you when it is safe to start cleaning and washing.

Wait for a Fire Damage Restoration Professional

It is crucial to get a fire damage restoration professional to your house as soon as possible. At Action Restoration, for example, we are qualified to handle the situation and will advise you on how to proceed.

So if you’ve suffered a house fire, follow the tips above — and call us as soon as possible to help you get your home back to normal!