Apkes steps to handling a Fire Loss

The fire damage restoration process can reverse the damage caused by a fire in your home or business premises so that you are able to get back to normal living as quickly as possible.

1. CONFIRM THE PROPERTY IS STABILIZED AND IS SAFE TO ENTER

The first step of a remediation professional is to confirm that the fire damaged property is safe to enter. They’ll check for signs of structural damage that compromises the home and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door.

If you are concerned, you should wait for an inspector to deem the property safe before you enter.

2.  Assessment

The next thing that a fire damage restoration company will do in the fire damage restoration process is to assess the extent of the damage in your property. This will usually involve looking at how far the fire, the smoke, and the soot have traveled as well as seeing how badly affected your walls and furniture have been.

This is an important first step as it is only by understanding the extent of the damage that the company will be able to come up with a plan of action and to give you an accurate quote for how much it should cost and an accurate estimate of how long it will take. 

3. Eliminate excess water and dry structure

Professionals should clean up any standing water as soon as possible before running other water restoration equipment. Since water can soak into walls, flooring and even subflooring, they will need air movers and commercial dehumidifiers to dry everything out properly.

4. Clean Metal fixtures, structure and contents

Smoke is highly corrosive to metals and some other materials.  After a fire, items such as faucets, range hoods, guns, door knobs ect. should be cleaned with a neutralizing detergent.  This will prevent further damage to the items.

5. Pack out contents and clean at secure location

At heavy smoke and fire damage jobs, itemizing and packing the insured’s contents is a most.  Taking the contents to a secure sight and cleaning the items with a wide range of products and tools can save many items which would be lost if left on the job.

6. Clean and deodorize the Fire damaged structure

The final step is to clean all the smoked walls, floors and remaining contents.  Again like with the contents, Apke has a range of techniques, products and equipment which can return your home to the pre-fire loss home