Your Belongings and Fire Damage
Once the flames have been extinguished, the smoke has dissipated, and the fire department has departed, you're left grappling with the aftermath of a house fire. Whether the fire was minor or significant, it's crucial to understand the appropriate steps to take and what to avoid.
In the immediate aftermath of a fire, your home likely bears extensive damage from both fire and smoke, in addition to potential water damage. During this critical period, engaging the services of a professional restoration company is paramount to managing the restoration process effectively. The last thing you want is to inadvertently exacerbate the already distressing situation by causing further damage. SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW Houston is here to help, offering expertise in restoring salvageable belongings and restoring your property to its preloss condition.
Fire damage, encompassing smoke and soot, not only impacts the structural integrity of your home but also affects your belongings. At SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW Houston, we recognize that your family's possessions—whether furniture, clothing, keepsakes, or other items—hold sentimental value, transforming your house into a home. Trust us to handle your belongings with care and expertise as we work towards restoring your home and bringing comfort back to your life.
If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (281) 809-5302
Contents Restoration
SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW Houston specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
- Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
- Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
- Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
- Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
- Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
- Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
Move-Outs/Pack-Outs
If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW Houston can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:
- A quicker remodeling process
- Protecting items from potential damage
- Protecting contents from further on-site damage
When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.
Electronic Cleanup
Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:
- Television sets
- DVD players
- Computers
- And more
The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.
Document / Photograph Drying
When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW Houston can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage.
Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:
- Air Drying
- Dehumidification
- Freezer Drying
- Vacuum Freeze Drying
- Vacuum Thermal Drying
Contents Claim Inventory Service
When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.
Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:
- Preloss list and value of contents
- Detailed and accurate report
- Better information to settle claims quicker
- Assistance with burden of proof for claims