Fire Recovery: Initial Assessment and Property Safety

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Is better to hire a company to assess the fire damage and restore the property quickly, allowing you to focus on the management of a business.

Initial Assessment And Property Protection In The Event Of A Fire

Fires cause extensive damage, and for businesses, fire damage extends beyond property, impacting a company’s bottom line through property loss and business interruption. While it may not be possible to salvage everything, there are steps you can take to prevent further damage and reduce the disruption.

1. Receive an Expert’s Assessment

The first step you should take after a fire is to call in an expert to assess both the safety of the building and any structural damage that was sustained. This initial assessment will tell you whether it is safe to enter the building and perform any necessary cleanup.

2. Secure the Building

Fire damage can include broken windows, collapsed walls and busted-out doorways, all of which can leave your business vulnerable to looting and lawsuits. The best way to prevent unwanted foot traffic is to secure your building, and the easiest way to do that is with plywood and other barricades.

3. Clean the Affected Area

Once your property has been cleared as safe and you have secured any vulnerable access points, it is time to start the fire cleanup. You will want to address any water issues first by thoroughly drying the areas. You can follow this up by removing any debris or property loss. All of this initial cleanup should be documented for insurance claims.

4. Bring in the Specialists

While it may be tempting to clean up your building yourself, keep in mind that you will have other things to focus on, like employee safety, insurance claims and continued business operations. Hiring an emergency restoration service in the Miami, FL, area may be the most beneficial option for you. These companies offer expertise that you likely do not have, and they can expedite the work faster than you can alone.

Fire damage is hard on a business. Besides property loss and possible physical injury, the damage can interrupt business operations for a long time. That is why it is better to hire a company to assess the damage and restore the property quickly, allowing you to focus on the management of a business in crisis.