A fire can turn a family’s world upside down instantly. Not only can it lead to a complete loss of property, but it can also leave behind significant emotional damage. In the worst-case scenarios, homeowners may be left with absolutely nothing. However, most people can salvage some of their homes and personal belongings if firefighting efforts are successful.

The hard part isn’t over when the flames are extinguished, however. There are many new challenges for families to navigate as they try to salvage their belongings. In fact, more damage can lie ahead if the proper steps aren’t taken to mitigate further loss.

Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to struggle through the process alone. The Homestar Group has plenty of experience with Atlanta fire damage restoration projects, so they’ve created this helpful guide to teach homeowners how to prevent more damage to their property. 

Make Sure Everyone is Safe

The very first and most important step to take after a fire is to ensure the safety of everyone in the home. House fires become even more devastating when injuries or deaths occur, so health and safety should always come before saving any personal items. 

Even after everyone has been safely evacuated, it’s crucial to keep safety in mind. The danger doesn’t end after the fire is out. The structure can be unstable, so homeowners and their family members should only enter the property after it has been declared safe to do so by local authorities.

Request Assistance from a Professional Restoration Company

Once everyone is in a safe location, it’s important to contact an Atlanta fire damage restoration company right away. In fact, this should be the second phone call that people make after calling 911. 

Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to wait until normal business hours to reach out to these companies. The best restoration crews offer 24/7 emergency services. That means that customers can call them any time of day or night to request immediate assistance. Their fast action can save homeowners thousands of dollars in damage.

Complete an Emergency Board Up

One of the biggest advantages of contacting a restoration company is that they can handle the emergency board-up process. Though it might seem silly to cover up a home that has already sustained so much damage, this step can ensure that it doesn’t sustain more damage.

In fact, fire damage leaves many homes vulnerable to the elements, which can cause more damage to the structure and its contents. Therefore, using tarps and plywood to cover holes in the house can prevent more water damage from happening. Not to mention, boarding up doors can help prevent unauthorized access to the property. 

While it’s possible for homeowners to tackle this step on their own, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. These crews are already equipped with all of the materials they need, and they know the safest methods for adding the tarps and boards.

Notify Your Insurance Company

Many people think that they should contact their homeowners’ insurance company before they call a restoration crew. However, this isn’t advised. It’s typically best to call the restoration company first because they can help homeowners with the insurance claims process. The best Atlanta fire damage restoration crew can actually handle the whole thing from start to finish.

Hiring a restoration crew to handle the insurance claim can save homeowners a lot of stress. They can also expect to get more out of their insurance claim because restoration crews have experience with documenting damage and negotiating with adjusters. 

Start the Cleaning Process 

Finally, it’s important that the cleaning and restoration process get started as soon as possible if homeowners want to minimize further loss. As long as the investigation has been completed, the restoration crew should be able to start their cleanup immediately. 

Fast action is especially critical for homeowners looking to minimize water and mold damage. Firefighting efforts can leave a house soaked, and the longer it sits, the more likely it is to sustain serious water damage as well. Starting the cleanup process right away ensures that there are no secondary issues, such as rot and mold growth.

Learn More About How to Prevent Damage After a Fire in Atlanta

Homeowners don’t have to worry about dealing with a loss of this magnitude on their own. Instead, they should contact an Atlanta fire damage restoration company like The Homestar Group. The trained professionals are happy to provide support, and they are available 24/7 to help with fire emergencies. Customers can reach them by calling (470) 837-5328, or they can submit their information through the simple contact form.