If your commercial property, apartment building, or other multi-unit complex has been damaged by fire or water, the affected workers and tenants need to take care not to make the situation worse. Fire and water damage restoration services can work wonders in bringing back a property even from severe damage, but there’s no reason to make their jobs more difficult. One way or the other, it will only increase your costs by adding damage to the property.
These are some of the most important tips we have for ensuring your fire and water damage restoration process goes smoothly, with a minimum of extra cost.
Four Tips to Minimize Further Damage When Hiring Fire and Water Damage Restoration Experts
- Immediately limit access to the damaged areas
This isn’t just a liability issue. Every step taken on flooring which is saturated with water, or covered in ash, will only increase damage done. Unless it is a genuine emergency, no one should ever enter a flood\fire damaged building until it’s been examined and cleared by trained professionals. This protects you, your tenants, and your building.
If you absolutely must enter a damaged building, lay down towels, sheets, or plastic tarp rather than walking directly on the flooring.
- Shut off any circulatory systems
Are the HVAC or similar systems still running in the damaged units? Shut them down ASAP. Circulating air within a damaged building can greatly increase the damage done by spreading moisture or particles around. Leave it to the pros to air out your property.
If you can easily access the filters, go ahead and change them out as well.
- Consider all perishables to have perished
If the fire occurs in a kitchen or other area with perishable foods, consider them a write-off. If it’s been damaged at all by smoke or water, it’s no longer safe to consume.
- Avoid contact or use of electrical items
Again, it’s best to simply not enter a damaged property at all. If you must, be particularly careful around electrical appliances and anything else that might carry a charge. They can be unpredictable and unreliable following flood or fire. Attempting to operate them can cause more damage.
Genesis Construction: Your Fire and Water Damage Restoration Experts
For twenty-five years, we’ve helped Chicagoland businesses and property owners restore their buildings after a disaster has struck. Contact Genesis Construction today!
