Even though Florida is surrounded by water, fire damage Florida does happen. During the state’s dry season, lightning strikes cause fire damage Florida in many areas. If you have fire damage, you are probably wondering how you are going to restore your home. Here we will look at the dangers of fire damage Florida and what you can expect as you go through the restoration process.
Fire damage Florida: Know the risk
Before we begin discussing how to restore your home after a fire, let’s go over the most common causes of house fires. Knowing your risk and taking preventative measures is your best defense against having a house fire.
- Fire damage Florida and cooking equipment: Kitchen fires are a common culprit for house fires. Keep your cooking area clean and free from clutter. Also, never leave the cooking area unattended.
- Fire damage Florida and heaters: Portable heaters can lead to house fires. Many Florida residents rely on portable heaters when the temperature drops. Be sure to keep your heat source away from anything that is flammable including bedding, rugs, and drapes.
- Fire damage Florida and smoking: Smoking indoors and particularly in bed can lead to a house fire. A dropped cigarette can ignite flammable materials such as sheets, bedding, and carpet.
- Fire damage Florida and electrical equipment: Using an electrical appliance with a frayed cord is a fire hazard. Also overloading electrical outlets with extension cords and adapters increases fire risk.
- Fire damage Florida and candles: Many of us like to burn candles in our home for ambiance. But be careful not to leave a candle unattended. Candles are a leading cause of household fires.
- Fire damage Florida and poor wiring: Faulty wiring is a significant cause of house fires. If you have flickering lights or cannot run more than one appliance at a time, you may have faulty wiring. Have your wiring inspected by a licensed electrician to make sure it is in proper order.
- Fire damage Florida and outdoor grills: Florida is a haven for outdoor cooking. But your barbecue grill can present a fire risk. Be sure to use the grill at least 10 feet away from the home. Keep your outdoor grill cleaned and well maintained.
- Fire damage Florida and flammable liquids: Storing flammable liquids at home can be dangerous. Be sure flammable liquids are stored in a secure area away from any potential heat sources. Always read the warning label on flammable liquids for proper storage methods.
Fire damage Florida: Restoring your home
If you do end up with a house fire, you probably have many questions. You may wonder how long it will take until your life gets back to normal. Restoring your home after a fire is a process. Here is a brief outline of what you can expect.
Fire damage Florida: Make emergency measures
The most important point to remember in a house fire is safety. Once you and your loved ones are safe and out of harm’s way, you can begin the restoration process. After the emergency officials have put out the fire, you must start protecting your property from further damage. This may include installing tarps to cover holes and boarding up damaged doors or windows to prevent further damage.
At this point, many homeowners contact a restoration company to help them make emergency repairs.
Fire damage Florida: Contact your insurance company, or a claims professional
Once you are safe and emergency measures have been taken, it’s time to assess your damage. Contact your insurance company to get the claim started. They will take what is known as the First Notice of Loss (FNOL) where they will ask you questions about what happened. They may assign you a claims adjuster and give you directions if you need emergency housing. They may also discuss your insurance coverage at this point.
After you have filed the FNOL with your insurance company, they may send a claims adjuster to inspect your home. At this point, the company adjuster will begin preparing an estimate to account for the fire damage.
Keep in mind you may have damage from the fire itself as well as damage from the water the fire department used to extinguish the fire. At this point, you should know your deductible and how your insurance policy will respond to the cleanup.
Fire damage Florida: Restoration and repair
Once you have taken emergency protective measures and gotten your claim started with your insurance company, you can move on to the restoration and repair phase. A fire claim may take much longer to settle then you may think. It can also be overwhelming. You will work with insurance company adjusters, emergency officials and contractors to get your home back to normal.
Fire damage restoration and repair will include:
- Removing water: Water from putting out the fire must be removed from the home. This is one of the first steps to restoration.
- Cleaning: A house fire leaves extensive debris and soot. All the surfaces in the home that were affected by the fire must be cleaned. This may include counters, cabinets, furniture, and even walls and flooring.
- Sanitation: If the fire caused anything in the home to contact gray or black water, those surfaces must be sanitized to prevent the spread of bacteria and contamination.
Fire damage restoration: After the cleanup
Once the home has been cleaned and sanitized, the major restoration process begins. The renovation includes painting, repairs and even reinstalling items that were removed for cleaning. During this process, you must work closely with your insurance company regarding what things can be repaired and what must be replaced.
Fire damage Florida restoration
Fire restoration can be an arduous process. Fires are the costliest home insurance claim as they involve fire damage as well as water damage. If you would like a professional claims adjuster on your side to help with your fire restoration, contact Bulldog Adjusters. We are your fire damage Florida specialists.
