5 Things Commercial Owners Can Do After a Building Fire

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fire restoration services in Treasure Island, CA.

Five Things To Do After A Fire

Fire restoration is a complicated, multi-step process. In-depth cleaning must take place to avoid significant issues such as mold and structural loss. It's imperative that commercial owners in Treasure Island, CA, understand that this takes time and outside assistance. While owners allow professionals to tend to the facility, there are vital steps that proprietors should take. The following are five things to do immediately after the fire occurs.

1. Initiate Your Claim
Contact your insurer, and ask to use your fire insurance policy. Create a claim, and discuss details of the process. Know your deductible, maximum coverage and any exclusions. Inquire about mortgage assistance and property loss as well. Ask questions. It's better to know what the agent needs than to hope you are doing something right.

2. Gather Important Business Documents
While the building undergoes fire restoration, owners may not have access to essential paperwork. Locate your reports and accounts files. Have a copy of mortgage statements or lease agreements. Take them to a safe place for continued reference.

3. Secure the Facility
Protect the property from further harm. Contact a fire remediation company to oversee the area. These professionals arrive directly after the blaze and assess immediate vulnerabilities. The team should board up any openings and put a tarp over the roof.
The main goal here is to limit entrance. Keep others out, including curious bystanders, animals and rain.

4. Approve Remediation Efforts
Allow some work to begin before insurance approval. For instance, allowing water and smoke cleaning to start promptly could reduce overall costs, time and trouble. Save the receipts. Insurance usually compensates for it. Always speak with agents, however, to see what is required on that end.

5. Locate Temporary Workspace
The building is typically off-limits during remediation. Hunt down a temporary venue where you can set up shop and continue projects.
While specialized crews focus on fire restoration, owners should focus on insurance communication and business operations. In doing so, the operations may continue and financial help may be received.