Fire Damage Restoration Process

In a perfect world, fires stay inside their boundaries (fire places, camp fires, burn piles, fireworks, cigarettes, lighters, etc.); and our eutopia goes on. But, every now and again, they get out of control for whatever reason; and when they do, it usually means that a home or business owner is now faced with lots of safety concerns and a long list of chores.  SERVPRO of North Pensacola knows how difficult it can be to sort out all that must be done; so, in the interest of saving you time and lowering your stress level, we compiled these lists:

Safety first:

  • Fire departments douse structure fires with water, so watch out for slippery floors.
  • Standing water and live electricity can be a deadly combination; so, make sure to look first before you enter the structure in question.
  • Beware of compromised structural materials (wet dry-walled ceilings, weakened floor joists, etc.)
  • Damaged light switches and/or electrical outlets.
  • Once it is safe to enter; carefully unplug any and all appliances to avoid shock hazard.

Preemptive Chore list:

  • Cover rugs, furniture, and walkways with sheets or other cloth to minimize any additional soiling of floors (especially carpeted areas).
  • Wash hands and wear gloves to avoid the transfer of soot and smoke to clean areas.
  • Call authorized repair services to ensure appliances and electrical outlets/light switches are safe to clean.
  • Food and water that should be properly disposed of.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (850) 466-3076

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.