We know what you’re thinking – what does a moving company know about damage to a home? It turns out, we’ve worked with a lot of customers who are temporarily moving out of their home because of fire and water damage. We’re also proudly partnered with restoration companies to help them make moving damaged (or undamaged) furniture out of a home safely.
5 Things You Should You Do if Your Home is Damaged by Fire or Water?
Having your home become damaged in a fire or a flood can be very stressful and upsetting. Fire and flood damage can be different from each other, but there are some general steps you can do when you experience one of them. Here are five things you definitely want to do:
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Make Sure You’re Safe
The most important step in recovering from fire or water damage to your home is to ensure you, and everyone in your family, is safe. If there you think there might be damage to the structure of your home don’t go in until a professional like a firefighter or inspector has cleared you to do so.
You should also contact utility companies if you suspect any possible damage to water, sewer, electric, or gas lines and have those services turned off. Plus, it’s always a good idea to go to your fuse box and turn off the main, even if the power in your home isn’t “working.”
In the event of water damage, be aware of any possible contamination from sewage or chemicals. Always wear fully waterproof gear like hip waders and gloves if you’re going into the water-damaged part of your home.
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Take Pictures
If it’s safe for you to go in your home after water or fire damage occurs, always take photos and/or videos of the full extent of the damage before clearing or cleaning anything. This is important for getting the full coverage from your insurance company or financial assistance from government if you are in a “disaster area.”
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Contact Your Insurance Company
If you experience a flood or fire, you should contact your insurance company within 24 hours of the event and always before you start making any repairs. Listen to what your agent has to say about getting a home inspection and make sure to follow their instructions in order to get the full amount of your claim.
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Call the Professionals
Don’t stress yourself and your family out even more by trying to deal with the cleanup of your damaged home and belongings yourself. Call a professional restoration company to get the job done instead.
If you need to move undamaged furniture or belongings out of your home for some time while repairs are taking place, contact a moving company, or a restoration company that is partnered with a moving company to ensure everything can be safely put into storage.
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Secure Your Property
If the damage to your property has resulted in openings like broken windows or roof damage make sure to secure the openings with boards or tarps. You’ll want to do everything you can to protect your home and any belongings still in it from further damage.
Looking for a restoration company? We’re glad to be partnered with First on Site Restoration and TAF Restoration. If you need to store your belongings following fire or water damage, we can help. Our connections with storage companies will help you find the unit you need. Get your free estimate today.