How To Check Your Business After a Fire

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage

After a fire, but before fire restoration can begin, you will need to check your business and assess the damage. Getting a clear assessment is vital before you can begin to rebuild.

4 Steps to Check and Assess Your Business After a Fire

1. Check the Exterior and Interior

Checking the inside and outside of the building is an important first step. Fire can damage key support structures making it extremely dangerous to enter. After the fire department is finished, make sure you check for:

• Foundation and wall cracks
• Damaged power, gas and water lines
• Critters such as snakes, spiders and rodents
• Roof or foundation sag
• Damage to chimneys or stairs

If you see any of these things, call your fire insurance company immediately. They might be able to help.

2. Check Major Systems

You also need to make sure that major systems inside your business are working. The first thing you need to check is whether the power is on or can be turned on. If you are unsure or see sparks, call a qualified electrician.
Then you should check your plumbing. If there are no obvious leaks, you will still need to do a pressure test to make sure that nothing in the walls is leaking. Your pipes are can be damaged by both firefighters and fire restoration.
You should also check out major machinery for water damage and malfunctions. Make sure that you do this safely, as water from the fire department can cause major damage.

3. Begin Cleaning

This is a long and difficult process, and most often requires a professional. Although you can attempt to clean things yourself, many business insurance companies prefer that you hire a professional fire remediation company in your Washington, NC to handle the restoration.

4. Make a List

Keeping a running list can help you file your claim faster. Many people make the mistake of not making a complete list of inventory, equipment and damage. This not only will help you file your claim, but it can also help you make decisions on smoke cleaning and fire remediation.

Recovering after a fire may seem impossible, but it will go much more smoothly with the proper fire restoration procedure. Remember to consult with your insurance company and contact professionals when necessary.