After the fire

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. The experts at SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington and Cadillac have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. There are several immediate issues that need addressed. 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.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (231) 723-4872

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. If you call during business hours, the office staff will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. After hours calls will be answered by our trained answering service who will get the basic information (name and best contact number) and will page one of the owners or managers on call. We will then immediately return your call and get the process started.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

As soon as the fire department clears the site and the fire marshal gives the go ahead (may not be necessary on smaller fires), we carefully inspect and test of your home or property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. At this time we can answer any questions you or your insurance agent or adjuster may have and gather information allowing us to provide a price to clean the structure and contents.

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. Unfortunately, there are people who prey on home and business owners who have suffered a loss. They are not above following a fire truck and coming back later to see what isn’t secured. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac can provide security with board-up and roof-tarp services.

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

If the fire is severe and your electric service is compromised, SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac can help get power restored. We can also help get heat restored if freezing temperatures are an issue. The water removal process begins almost immediately (if power is available) 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

Often once the drying is complete, (usually 3-4 days or less) an adjuster approved estimate has been prepared and contracts signed. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac crews are then ready to start cleaning your home or business. 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. Normal procedures include HEPA vacuuming (if necessary) followed by wet cleaning hard surfaces and non-pourus surfaces. If needed, we can clean many contents with our ultra-sonic cleaning machine. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers, ozone generators, 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. SERVPRO of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac is a full service restoration company. Our general contracting license allows our in-house carpenters and sub-contractors to safely restore your home or business. We follow all Michigan building codes and OHSA rules to protect you and our employees.