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Regaining Your Life After a House Fire
Regaining Your Life After a House Fire
House fires can be devastating. Because of our 24-hour access to news, we hear often of the tragic news stories where people die and homes are completely obliterated. But any fire, no matter how minor or severe, has an impact on its victims. At the very least, it causes inconvenience, and it always carries a monetary cost.
When I was in high school, I distinctly remember sitting in my art class and hearing lots of sirens. It turned out that those fire engines were heading to my house, which was less than a mile away. An old radio we kept plugged in all the time on top of the stove had shorted out and caused a fire in our kitchen. (Did you know that electronic equipment can short and cause a fire? We didn’t, but we learned it on that day!) Luckily for us, my mom was home at the time and noticed the burning smell right away. Also lucky for us was that we lived within a mile of the fire station and they arrived very quickly. My mom worked in the healthcare field, so she was able to stay calm and react quickly. Unfortunately, that bravado also earned her a trip to the emergency room. She tried to put out the fire herself and ended up with some pretty nasty burns on her arms. Granted, it could have been way worse: She got sent home with second-degree burns and some prescription creams. Our kitchen was damaged as well, but the fire did not spread beyond that area.
After the immediate danger of the fire was handled by the firefighters, there were some effects that still needed to be dealt with. First of all, my mother needed emergency medical care. Obviously, the authorities on the scene took care of this aspect. But after the scene was secured, my mother was taken care of, and the fire trucks and ambulances went back to the station, we were left with the task of picking up the pieces. Here are some of the steps that are involved in getting your life back after a house fire.
- TEND TO THE LIVES AFFECTED
The first and most obvious step involved in recovery after a fire is taking care of the people and animals involved. (Pets are affected by fires, too!) It is obvious during the fire that the living beings need to be saved and evacuated, but after the fire, there will still be physical and mental issues to deal with. One thing that is not always obvious at first is that the family will need to find a place to stay, even if it is only needed for one night in order to recoup and make a game plan. Many times, recovery from injuries take an extended period of time. Burns are very painful, and they will affect the things you can and cannot do for a while. Another aspect, at least for the human beings involved in a fire, is the mental distress it causes. Professional counseling is very beneficial, and sometimes very necessary, at a time like this. - CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENT
If you are insured, you will need to contact your insurance agent to help get the recovery process rolling. There will need to be inspections to determine the amount of damage and the steps necessary for remediation. A restoration company such as Shrock Restoration is also an immediate contact option. We will stand by you and your family through this process from dealing with insurance companies, to finishing the renovation and getting you back home. - SECURE THE PROPERTY
If damage has been significant, only enter your home once it has been declared safe to do so by the fire department and your insurance carrier. If it hasn’t been done already by the authorities, you will want to temporarily suspend utilities and things such as cable, internet, etc. that you won’t be using at the property for the time being. Utilities left on in a damaged environment can cause more problems later. If there has been enough damage to compromise the integrity of the structure, or if there are now holes where walls, windows, roofs or doors used to be, you will want to secure the property as well as you can. Board and tarp up any holes to deter intruders and help to keep out weather and pests, avoiding further damage. This is something you can do yourself, or you can hire experts such as Shrock Restoration to do this for you. - TAKE AN INVENTORY OF DAMAGED ITEMS
You will want to make detailed lists of any items, large or small, that were damaged or destroyed because of the fire. If any of your personal documents such as your license, birth certificate, or Social Security card have been damaged, you will need to get those replaced immediately. If the damage to the home is extensive, you should also remove any items that have not been destroyed from the property so they can be properly cleaned and kept from being further contaminated. Shrock Restoration offers inventory and removal of possessions and other contents for cleaning and restoration at our clean, safe, insured, off-site facility.
Dealing with the aftermath of a fire is a complicated matter. Shrock Restoration is unmatched in resources and we are unrivaled experts in fire restoration. We will be by your side throughout the entire process after a devastating fire. From answering all your questions, to educating you on the process & what happens next, to working with all insurance companies so you don’t have to, we will help you put the pieces back together. Nothing can undo the trauma of a fire, but our goal is giving you peace of mind and get you back home as quickly as possible.
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In every corner of your home or business, from the cozy carpets underfoot to the air ducts overhead, cleanliness plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy, welcoming environment. At Rainbow Restoration, we go beyond the surface to offer comprehensive specialty cleaning services. Our expert team is dedicated to meticulously restoring tile and grout, contents, carpets, upholstery, and air ducts, ensuring every nook and cranny is not just clean, but healthfully maintained. Tile and Grout Cleaning: A Fresh Start for Your Floors Tiles add beauty and durability to any space, but over time, grout lines can accumulate dirt and grime, diminishing their appearance and cleanliness. Our tile and grout cleaning service uses advanced techniques to extract hidden dirt, reviving your floors and surfaces to their original luster. We don't just clean; we transform your tiled areas into a pristine, welcoming feature of your home or business. Content Cleaning: Treasured Possessions Restored Your belongings are more than just items; they're memories and investments. Our content cleaning service is designed to carefully restore your affected belongings after a disaster. Utilizing gentle, yet effective cleaning methods, we ensure that your cherished possessions are treated with the utmost care and respect, restoring them to their pre-damage condition. Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning: Comfort and Cleanliness Combined Carpets and upholstery are often the most used, yet overlooked, elements in any space. Regular foot traffic and usage can embed dirt and allergens deep within. Our carpet and upholstery cleaning services not only remove this embedded debris but also rejuvenate the fibers, enhancing the comfort and appearance of your rooms. Air Duct Cleaning: Breathe Easy in Your Space Air ducts are the lungs of your home or business, circulating air throughout the rooms. Over time, they can become laden with dust, allergens, and even mold. Our air duct cleaning service ensures that the air you breathe is clean and healthy, improving the overall air quality and efficiency of your HVAC system. At Rainbow Restoration, we understand that a clean environment is a healthy one. Our specialty cleaning services are meticulously designed to address areas where bacteria, debris, and mold can hide, ensuring that every surface we touch is left freshly restored. Trust our professionals to not just clean, but to rejuvenate your space, leaving it spotless and healthy. When our specialty cleaning processes are complete, you'll feel the difference in the air you breathe and see the difference in every corner.
In the aftermath of a disaster, navigating the path to recovery can be overwhelming. One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, steps in this journey is maintaining a comprehensive inventory record for your home or business. An accurate inventory is not just a list; it's a powerful tool that streamlines the insurance claims process, provides a clear understanding of your losses after a disaster, and ensures you have a tangible record of your assets. Here's how to create and maintain an effective inventory log, a proactive step that can make all the difference when disaster strikes. The Importance of an Inventory Log A record of inventory serves as an irreplaceable asset when filing insurance claims after a disaster. It offers a clear, itemized account of your belongings or business assets, making the claims process smoother and helping to ensure you receive the rightful compensation for your losses. Beyond insurance, an inventory log helps you understand the full scope of what you own, aiding in financial planning and risk management. Creating Your Inventory Log Don't wait for a disaster to strike. Begin by listing and categorizing the items in your home or business. Thoroughly include everything of value, from electronics and furniture to office equipment and inventory. For each item, note the description, purchase date, value, and serial number if applicable. Using technology, leverage apps or software designed for home or business inventory. Many platforms offer cloud storage, ensuring your log is safe and accessible from anywhere. Visual records, such as photographs and videos, can be incredibly helpful. They provide a clear reference for the condition and existence of your assets. Store receipts for major purchases with your inventory log, as they can provide proof of value and purchase date. Safeguarding Your Inventory Log Your inventory log is only as useful as its accessibility after a disaster. Store it in a secure, but easily accessible location. Consider these options: Digital Storage: Use cloud-based services to store your inventory log digitally, ensuring it can be accessed from any location with internet access. Off-site Storage: Keep a physical copy in a safe deposit box or with a trusted friend or family member outside your immediate area. Regular Updates: Make it a habit to update your inventory log annually or whenever you make significant purchases. In conclusion, a well-maintained home or business inventory record is a cornerstone of disaster preparedness. It not only simplifies the insurance claims process but also provides a clear picture of your assets, offering peace of mind and financial clarity. Take the time to create and safeguard your inventory record—it's an investment in your recovery and resilience.
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