Recovering from a fire!

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

The same way you would not expect a firefighter to come back to provide cleanup services, most employees do not expect their employer to directly restore a business following a fire-related emergency. Despite this, the primary business owner does have a responsibility to ensure that the proper fire damage restoration steps are taken before workers return to the premises. Most importantly, perhaps, is that action is taken quickly, as additional negative effects can result from the impact of smoke and water damage if not addressed immediately.

Read on to learn more about what exactly is involved when it comes to restoration services and commercial fire damage cleanup!

Simple as 1, 2, 3? The Top Bases to Cover for Employee Safety

Although it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed following a commercial fire that has damaged your business, there are basic steps you can plan for to get you through to re-opening day. When you tackle the process piece by piece, recovery becomes much more manageable.

1)  First Steps: Assessing the Damage and Initial Safety Work

One of the most important steps to take before cleaning up or completing basic return-to-work tasks is making sure you document the extent of damage done to the property for insurance purposes. Particularly for businesses, this can be a complicated process that is best left to the professionals, like those at SERVPRO of Rock County. Our fire damage cleanup professionals will thoroughly document the extent of fire, water, soot or other damage to guarantee you the highest return for your lost or ruined items.

In addition, you can rely on the experts to verify the safety of your property to be sure windows, the roof, or support walls have not endured additional damage. The goal of the game is damage prevention, which requires significant investigation before any cleanup processes are initiated.

2)  Next Up: Tackling Soot, Smoke and Water Removal

You may be surprised to hear that carpets, rugs, and fabrics are technically the largest air filters in your commercial property or office building! In reality, these surfaces are much more prone to absorbing malodors, including smoke and soot. Specialized techniques, tools, and cleaners are required to remove these from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces before employees can return to work.

Don’t forget about the potential for water issues to develop as a result of the flooding that naturally results from firefighter response units. Being able to rely on a professional team to identify potential problem areas where mold could take root will put you and your workers at ease. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the ways we can ensure water, smoke, and soot will be eradicated from your property!

3)  Wrapping Up the Process: Cleanup, Restoration, and Repair

Once you have addressed major structural items and large-scale cleaning needs for rugs, carpets, and fabrics, you can begin to move on to the cleaning of other restorable items and structures. Depending upon the nature of the item, professionals will need to recruit special tools, cleaners, and equipment to remove odors while bringing your materials back to life.

Similarly, even typically normal-to-tackle tasks like painting can be hindered by the reality of chipping, peeling, or bubbling paint, which typically results from water and fire damage. In the event large-scale scraping, sanding, and refinishing is needed, you can begin to see the benefit of calling in a professional team like SERVPRO of Rock County to take care of business.