Fire Damage FAQs

Some high value items require restoration by a specialist. Working with your insurance claim representative, we can help you identify these and locate a qualified restorer.

Yes. With advanced notice we can schedule time for a ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations technician to meet with you and provide access to your requested items.

Depending on the source, nature and extent of the fire, it may be best to remove all belongings to secure facility for cleaning, storage, and to make room for restoration or construction. ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations will work with you and your insurance claim representative to manage this process.

There are some items that require general contractors, such as drywall/painting, electrical, plumbing, framing/finish carpentry, flooring/carpet, installation of doors, windows, cabinets, post construction clean up, etc. ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations specializes in reconstruction after a fire or smoke damage. Click here for more information about our Reconstruction Department.

This is ultimately your decision. Some things you may want to consider are safety concerns, odors, electricity, noise from equipment, etc. If vacating your premises for any length of time, consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence; stop newspaper and other deliveries; notify utility company, cable company, etc. of temporary suspension of services.

We recommend that you make a list of items (including food items) deemed non-restorable. Make a copy for your insurance company and keep one for yourself.

• Cash
• Checkbooks
• Flammables
• Gasoline cans
• Medications
• Personal documents
• Pets
• Stamp/Coin collections
• Valuable jewelry
• Valuable Paintings
• Weapons/Ammunition

We recommend that you not turn on your furnace or air conditioning unit without clearance from the HVAC contractor.

At ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations, occupant and worker safety is top priority. During initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical cords and appliances are separated out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation or safe operation. Electrical power may be turned off until evaluation by a licensed electrician.

We suggest you do not attempt any “do it yourself” cleaning methods without consulting your ServiceMaster technician. Pretesting, using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions, and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations fire restoration technician expertly controls results. ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations’s professional cleaning system products used by experienced, trained technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings.

Because there are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration of your home or business will take. Consult with your ServiceMaster Advanced Restorations technician on the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.