Adams & Coe knows a fire can turn life upside down in minutes. The first hours after an incident are critical for safety, documentation and preventing additional damage. This guide walks Anderson homeowners and business owners through clear next steps so you can protect your property and move toward recovery with confidence.
Make Safety Your First Priority
- Wait for clearance. Do not reenter the building until first responders say it’s safe. Hidden hazards like weakened framing, live electricity and lingering smoke can put you at risk.
- Watch your health. Smoke and soot are acidic and can irritate lungs, skin and eyes. Wear gloves, a mask and sturdy shoes if you must enter briefly to retrieve essentials.
- Secure the site. If doors or windows are damaged, arrange emergency board-ups and roof tarping to keep out weather and trespassers.
Call Your Insurer and Start a Paper Trail
- Notify your insurance company. Open a claim as soon as possible and ask what immediate expenses are covered for temporary lodging and emergency services.
- Document everything. Take photos and videos of every room, surface and item before cleanup starts. Create a simple inventory with brand, model and estimated value. Save receipts for hotels, meals and emergency repairs.
Prevent Damage From Getting Worse
Even after flames are out, damage keeps spreading. Soot etches finishes. Odors set into fabrics. Water from firefighting can cause mold within 24 to 48 hours. Fast mitigation limits loss:
- Ventilate when safe to lower humidity and odor.
- Remove standing water and set drying equipment to stabilize the structure.
- Isolate unaffected areas with plastic sheeting to control cross-contamination.
Know What Professional Restoration Includes
A qualified fire restoration team will:
- Assess and plan. Inspect structure, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, contents and finishes. Provide a clear scope with priorities and timelines.
- Pack out contents. Inventory, clean, deodorize and store salvageable items off-site when needed.
- Clean soot safely. Use specialized vacuums, HEPA air filtration and targeted techniques for drywall, masonry, wood and metals. Standard household cleaners can set stains or spread residue.
- Remove odors at the source. Pair deep cleaning with deodorization methods designed for smoke molecules embedded in porous materials.
- Dry the structure. Manage moisture from firefighting with dehumidifiers and moisture mapping to prevent mold.
- Rebuild. Replace compromised framing, insulation, drywall, flooring and finishes. Coordinate permits in Anderson and ensure repairs meet code.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Keep pets away from affected spaces.
- Photograph rooms before moving items.
- Empty the refrigerator and freezer.
- Change the furnace filter.
Don’ts
- To avoid causing permanent damage or spreading contamination:
- Do not turn on electronics covered in soot.Do not wash painted walls or upholstered furniture.Do not eat food exposed to heat or smoke.
Special Situations To Monitor
- Puff backs: A furnace or boiler misfire can blow soot through vents without open flames. The cleanup looks minor but residue is oily and hard to remove. Treat it like a fire cleanup with proper methods.
- Roof and attic impact: Even a small attic fire can compromise decking, rafters and insulation. Ask for a thorough roof inspection plus temporary tarping to keep out rain.
- Hidden cavities: Smoke migrates behind walls and into cabinets, light fixtures and ductwork. Insist on odor removal that addresses cavities, not just surfaces.
Working With Your Adjuster
- Share your photo inventory and any contractor estimates.
- Ask how structural drying, deodorization, contents cleaning and code upgrades are handled under your policy.
- Keep communication in writing when possible and track approvals for every phase.
Rebuilding Stronger
When it’s time to repair, consider materials and upgrades that boost resilience and comfort:
- Fire-resistant choices for roofing, insulation and interior finishes
- Upgraded electrical to reduce overload risks
- Sealed ducts and better filtration to improve indoor air quality
- Detectors, extinguishers and a family evacuation plan with two exits from each sleeping area
Recovering from fire damage is a marathon, not a sprint. With fast action, clear documentation and the right team, you can protect what’s salvageable and restore your property to a safe, clean condition.
Dealing with fire damage at your property? Contact Adams & Coe for expert fire damage restoration services in Anderson, SC. Schedule your consultation today.