What types of fires are not extinguishable by water?

[VIDEO] Flammable liquids and gases, electrical fires, combustible metals, and kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.

 

How do I clean furniture after a fire?

[VIDEO] To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.

 

Am I responsible for my deductible?

[VIDEO] Yes, you will be responsible for your deductible. If the loss is a covered claim, your insurance will pay any covered invoices up to your policy limit minus your deductible.

What is a policy limit?

Your policy limit is the amount of money available to cover your claim.

 

Can fire smoke damage my eyes?

Yes. Exposure to any smoke can irritate the eyes and cause breathing and other health issues. With a modern fire many synthetic materials will be burnt – they produce hazardous and toxic materials that should be cleaned by trained professionals.

Can fire extinguisher dust be cleaned from carpet?

[VIDEO] Yes, but it is recommended that the work be done by professionals. The residue is an irritant and can cause discomfort and/or breathing problems; and can irritate the skin.
 

 

Can I use water to put out a fire?

[VIDEO] It depends on the specific nature of the fire. The BEST plan is to have at least 1 “ABC” fire extinguisher in your home. They are rated for ever type of fire. If you know the fire does not involve electricity or grease (in a kitchen) or another type of fuel – then water is fine. If you have any doubt about your ability to put out a fire very quickly, the best course of action is to leave the home with all of your family and to call the fire department – from OUTSIDE of the home.

 

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

[VIDEO] Call PuroClean to come to your home to help do an assessment of the extent of the damage! They can begin remediation efforts immediately – which is the best way to minimize the damage of reduce the costs of the event. Even a “small” fire results in smoke/soot/odor throughout the home.

Do I need to get an estimate first?

We use the same pricing and estimating software used by most insurance companies.  Mitigation estimates/invoices are almost always completed AFTER the work is done.  In a mitigation situation, it can be impossible to know everything that needs to be done from the beginning.  We may uncover other elements to the loss that were unseen from the surface.  Drying times may vary. Odor remediation techniques may have to be adjusted. Estimates before mitigation are seldom accurate.  We will do our best to get 100% of the work we do for mitigation covered by your insurance company.  If you wait to get estimates, the damage is just getting worse.  Time is of the essence.

Should I wait on my adjuster to get started?

Part of your insurance policy outlines property owner responsibility during a property loss.  The insurance company wants property owners to take any necessary steps to prevent further damage.  This may include calling a plumber, roofer, home contractor, and/or a professional restoration company such as PuroClean.  As time passes, damage often gets worse.   Though an adjuster may be able to come out right away, there are times when it may be weeks before they can come out.   You are never expected to wait to protect your property.

If I cannot stay in my home, who will pay for me to stay somewhere else?

If you cannot remain functional in your home during mitigation and/or repairs, your insurance company should cover your lodging and meals while away from home.  Please talk with your adjuster to make these arrangements.

What are the steps you will take after coming to look at the damage?

With fire damage, it is critical to move fast in order to prevent further damage.  First steps could be to secure the property from intrusion by wildlife, curious neighbors, or the weather with a professional board up or tarping.  We will address the contents through protection in place, onsite storage, or packout and move offsite.  Further steps beyond this will be covered at the time of initial assessment and any other time you choose to discuss with the mitigation project manager.

What if I work every day and you have to be here?

One of our company core values is integrity.  Every employee must act with integrity in order to be a part of our team.  Everyone is background checked at their time of hire.  We have every confidence that our team can be trusted to be in your home or business.  We have secure lockboxes that can be placed so that technicians can enter the property if you are unable to be there.

Who is going to put my property back together?

The final step in putting your property back together is the repair.  If you know you would like for us to consider doing repairs or if you have any questions about moving forward, please contact the office and speak to a manager.

What about my furniture and belongings?

Sometimes contents are damaged during a fire loss.  If your contents are damaged or affected by water or fire, we will pack and remove to be cleaned or stored.  This is called a packout.  During the cleaning of the contents, it will be determined if the item is salvageable or non-salvageable.  This determination is made more than once.  We will assess prior to packing, during the cleaning, and then you still have the option of determining after it is cleaned and returned if it is in its pre-loss condition.  If you have any questions about replacement allowances, contact your adjuster.

We will be glad to work on items of sentimental value, but are obviously damaged beyond repair.  We may get out smells or get them to a condition better than they are after the fire. Communicate these requests with your project manager.

Not everything is able to be cleaned and we may know this from the beginning.  We may be asked by your adjuster to compile a “non-salvageable” list to include items we cannot clean.  You are also encouraged to remove any sensitive or valuable items that you do not want our staff handling.

Can I stay here while you work?

In most circumstances, the property will be very uncomfortable, unsafe, or simply uninhabitable for occupants.  Some of the equipment and products used to clean or dry the structure after fire and water damage will make the environment in your home very dry, hot, and loud.  We will contain the area as best we can, but only you can decide if you would like to remain in the building.

Can I do the work myself?

Working in your own home is always an option.  However, it is important to remember that a professional mitigation company will have the knowledge and equipment to properly restore your home to its pre-loss condition.  Fire remediation can be complicated and difficult to execute.  The soot is corrosive and damaging to delicate finishes, wood, glass, porcelain, metal, enamels.  It must be removed quickly and effectively.  The smoke odor can penetrate even the hardest surfaces and must be treated by a professional.  If water was used to extinguish the fire, then it, too, must be addressed.  Water will go in many places where it cannot be seen.  Doing the work yourself in fire or water loss risks further damage to the property, contents, occupants, and you.

Is my insurance company going to pay for this?

Only your adjuster can decide if the claim will be covered under your insurance policy.  We make every effort to help you through the claims process.  Ideally your only out-of-pocket expense will be your deductible.

 

How long will this take?

Mitigation is the cleaning, drying, and necessary deconstruction of a property after being affected by fire or water damage.  The time frame for completion of the mitigation will vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage.  It could take as little as a few days or as much as several weeks.  Communication with your project manager after mitigation begins will be helpful in determining how long the process should last.

Can I inspect my house after the fire?

[VIDEO] Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.

How do I secure my property after the fire?

[VIDEO] Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.

Is my loss a covered claim?

[VIDEO] It depends on your specific policy. Call your insurance agent and/or adjuster to find out if the loss is covered in your policy.

Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?

[VIDEO] This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.

Can I put out an electrical fire with water?

[VIDEO] No! Water conducts electricity and can deliver a potentially deadly electric shock. If the fire is from an appliance and you can safely unplug it, go ahead. You can also use a heavy blanket to cut off its oxygen supply and smother it, or you can use a fire extinguisher designed for a Class C fire.

How do I clean my dryer vent to prevent fires?

[VIDEO] Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months. Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

 

Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?

In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.

What should I do with the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.

How long will the restoration process take?

The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.

What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration procedure.

What should I throw away after a fire?

Food safety after a fire is a huge issue, so you should discard non-perishable food exposed to heat, smoke, and firefighting chemicals, as well as perishable food left at room temperature for too long. However, you might be able to salvage refrigerated and frozen food after a fire. You should also throw out medicines, cosmetics, and burned clothing.Inventory non-restorable items to support your claims. Be sure to include the name, cost, and the year each item was purchased. Photos documenting the loss are great too.

What are the signs of an electrical fire?

Circuit breaker keeps tripping, persisting burnt smell with no identifiable source, several discolored or charred outlets and switches, or you have old or outdated wiring.

What should I do if I am on fire?

STOP! Moving or running feeds air to the flames and worsens the fire. DROP to the floor—if you stand up, the fire can burn your face. ROLL slowly on the floor or ground in a rug or blanket if you can. COOL off as soon as possible with water for first and second-degree burns.

How long will the restoration process take?

The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.

Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?

This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.

What should I do with the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.

Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?

In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.

Can I inspect my house after the fire?

Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.

How do I secure my property after the fire?

Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Call your insurance agent and submit your claim. He or she will provide you with information on securing your home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.