When a tragedy involving fire occurs, the most important step is making sure every person involved is safe and secure. Once the fire has been contained and put out, it’s time for another crucial step – determining the extent of the destruction and what the next steps are for recovery. Fire damage in Charlotte can be very serious and destructive, so it’s crucial to follow the right steps in making sure everything is accounted for, and that as much can be recovered as possible.

Structural Assessment

Before entering the premises, it’s imperative to determine it’s safe to do so. Check for structural damage, weak floors, or other potential hazards. If there are signs of leaning and sagging, there could be a potential risk. It’s also important to pay attention to ceilings, floors, and walls to try and identify any signs of visible damage or weakening. This is also a good time to check the status of your utilities, and be sure to consult with professionals before attempting to restore services.

The fire department will also know identifying signs of structural damage, but other professionals should be contacted once the fire has been contained. Insurance assessors and restoration specialists can also assess the situation, and they’ll be able to make sure the area is safe to enter. Be careful for any lingering smoke, and there’s always potential for toxic funs. Be sure to wear appropriate protective equipment like gloves and masks when entering the premises.

Document Damage & Inventory

Take detailed photographs and videos of both the inside and outside of the entire property. The insurance company is going to need this important documentation for the claim, and it can also be very helpful in understanding the progress of the restoration efforts. Make a detailed inventory of which items are damaged and undamaged, and separate them, if possible.

Contact your insurance company promptly and provide them with the documentation of the damage. It’s also important to move the undamaged items to a safe location, and get an inventory of the damaged valuables for the insurance claim process, as well. The insurance company should be able to guide you through the claims process, and your photographs and videos can be extremely helpful.

Restoration & Long-Term Planning

Once the assessment is finished, a restoration company can help develop a plan for cleaning up and restoring the property. This can involve numerous tasks, such as repairing the structural damage, assessing water damage from the efforts to extinguish the fire, and simply removing debris from the area. Be mindful of any potential environmental hazards from toxic materials released during the fire. The restoration team should be able to lead these mitigation efforts.

Through the process of restoration, it’s important to consider the long-term impact on the property. Implementing measures to prevent future fires are important, as are addressing any issues around code compliance if you’re planning to rebuild. There’s a lot that goes into cleaning up after a fire. Assessing fire damage in Charlotte should be done systematically and with the help of professionals. For more information, reach out to Remedics Restoration today.