What is the Timeline of the Fire Restoration Process?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we know how devastating a fire damage can be. We will be right there beside you ready to work.

Carol Stream Homeowners Want to Know What to Expect During Fire Restoration

Busy homeowners in Carol Stream know the importance of keeping to a schedule. Whether it is a list of work deadlines, after school activities for the children, or a roster of social events, a program keeps everyone organized. When you know what is supposed to happen, and when, it is much easier to plan for an event.

Homeowners who need fire restoration in Carol Stream want a schedule too. A fire loss is a difficult enough situation as it is, and any uncertainty makes it worse. You are keen to know when you can return to your life.

What happens when you call SERVPRO?

After we receive a notification of a fire loss incident, we get in touch within the hour to arrange a visit to the blaze site. Our customers can rest easy, knowing that help is on the way.

How soon will SERVPRO arrive, and what happens then?

A franchise professional will arrive within four hours from the first call notifying us of a loss situation. There is a reason that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster:

• Coming quickly means we can start the remediation process faster
• We know that soot damage can get worse if left for too long
• There may be leftover water from fire-fighting, which presents a risk of fungal growth if we do not deal with it

The first step after we arrive is a thorough assessment of the situation. This includes examining fire and soot damage and testing individual items to see if they are restorable, or if we must dispose of them. Our technicians work from the source of the fire outwards to determine what we can salvage and clean.

Our technicians will explain each step of the restoration process to you, so you understand:

• What we are going to do
• How long it will take
• What results you can expect

What should homeowners do while waiting for SERVPRO to arrive?

Our customers often ask what they should do while waiting for SERVPRO of Carol Stream / East Bloomingdale to arrive. The first step is to consider your safety and that of your family. Do not stay in your home if it is not safe to do so. Do not attempt to move any items if you are not confident that it is safe. Please be aware of the potential hazards from electricity, slip and fall risks, or structural damage.

However, there are some actions you can take if you can do so without risk of harm:

• Place clean towels over carpets, rugs, and high-traffic areas
• Protect HVAC vents by taping over a double layer of cheesecloth
• Wipe down the leaves of houseplants
• Spread a layer of petroleum jelly over chrome fixtures
• If the electricity is out, you can prop open freeze and fridge doors, and empty the food

Please do not attempt to clean electrical appliances, carpets, drapes, walls, ceilings, or furniture. There is a risk of making the damage worse if these items are improperly cleaned. Do not switch on the ceiling fan, in case the ceiling is wet from fire-fighting efforts.

What happens after the homeowner agrees to the cleaning plan?

We will give verbal notice of the proposed cleaning plan to your insurance adjuster or property manager within eight hours. Following that, our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians get to work.

We employ a range of techniques to fix soot damage to your home and belongings, including scrubbing and HEPA vacuuming for floors, walls, and ceilings. We can use baking soda blasting on exposed wood or brick, such as in basements or attics. We also wipe, scrub, and spot-clean furniture and upholstery.

When we have finished cleaning, we deodorize your home to leave it smelling “Like it never even happened.”

Do homeowners have to leave their houses, and when can they come back?

Whether homeowners need to vacate their property depends on the extent of fire damage. In some cases, we may also need to move your furniture and belongings to an off-site facility for cleaning while we restore your home.

We will keep you informed of progress at all times. We will also take careful inventory of your items before removal and bring them back afterward.

What happens after fire restoration?

When we are finished, we will do a final walk-through of your property with you to ensure you are satisfied. We will also follow up with you after a week to answer any questions you may have.

If you need swift and effective fire restoration, call SERVPRO of Carol Stream / East Bloomingdale at (630) 830-6236.