Emergency Disaster Cleanup

1. Assessment and Inspection

The first step is to assess the extent of the damage caused by fire, smoke, and soot. This involves inspecting the property to determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be replaced or repaired.

2. Board-Up and Securing the Property

Board-Up: If the fire has caused structural damage, such as broken windows, doors, or roof damage, a restoration company will board up the property to prevent further damage from weather, vandalism, or unauthorized entry.

Securing the Property: The property may also need to be secured to ensure that no additional risks, such as falling debris or unsafe structures, pose a danger to people or the surrounding area.

3. Water and Fire Damage Cleanup

Water Removal: If firefighting efforts have left water damage, the restoration company will remove excess water and begin the drying process to prevent mold growth.

Soot and Smoke Removal: Specialized equipment and techniques are used to remove soot and smoke residues from surfaces, including walls, ceilings, furniture, and other belongings.

Deodorization: Odors from smoke can linger long after the fire is out. Restoration experts use advanced deodorization techniques to neutralize the smell.

4. Contents Cleaning and Restoration

Inventory and Evaluation: Contents, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal items, are inventoried and evaluated to determine if they can be cleaned and restored or need to be replaced.

Cleaning and Restoration: Items that can be salvaged are cleaned, deodorized, and restored. This may involve specialized techniques like dry cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, or ozone treatment for severe smoke damage.

Storage: If necessary, contents are temporarily stored during the restoration process to prevent further damage and ensure they are cleaned properly.

5. Structural Repair and Reconstruction

After the cleaning and drying process, structural repairs begin. This includes repairing or replacing walls, floors, ceilings, roofing, and any other components damaged by fire, smoke, or water.

6. Final Inspection and Return of Contents

Once the restoration is complete, a final inspection ensures that all work has been completed and that the property is safe and restored to its pre-damage condition. If contents were stored, they are returned and reinstalled.