Getting Back to Business After a Fire

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

Getting Back to Business After a Fire will be Easier if you Follow Our Tips.

As a responsible business owner, you take every reasonable precaution to keep the workplace safe and protected. From fire insurance to building security, you’ve carefully considered and prepared for operational risks. Unfortunately, despite best efforts, accidents do happen.

What do you do in the aftermath of a fire at your business in Black Forest, CO? Having a plan for disaster recovery and business interruption in advance is strongly recommended. Knowing what to do ahead of time can help minimize the time it takes for you to get back up and running.

Beginning the Fire Restoration Process

The devastation of fire can be overwhelming. It’s important to try to remain calm and clear-headed as you take the following steps:

Document everything

If safe, take photos of your damaged property and make notes of everyone that you talk to, including firefighters, building landlords, etc. These photos will be helpful for damage assessment. Save any receipts or invoices for business expenses. Don’t touch any affected items.

Notify your insurance company

The sooner you call them, the better. A delay in the claims process can delay your recovery. Your disaster recovery plan should include your insurer’s contact information.

Contact a commercial fire restoration company

This provider works with the local authorities and your insurer. The pros also conduct a thorough assessment to determine the most efficient approach for returning your space to pre-damage conditions.

Notify employees, clients, and business partners about the fire

Begin conversations about contingency plans, alternate arrangements, and deadline changes, as necessary.

Secure your office space, if possible

Work with officials, your landlord, and the restoration company about restricting access and preventing the spread of further damage.

Remove any unaffected valuables

If safe, remove any valuables from your space.

Letting the Pros Work

The commercial restoration professionals fully assess the damage and take a comprehensive approach to cleanup, repairs, and reconstruction. Besides fire damage, there may also be damage from smoke, soot, and water used for extinguishment. Water damage may require special cleanup, especially if there is mold. The building may also have additional damage due to firefighters cutting holes in the structure to put out the blaze.

The professionals employ special techniques and equipment for soot and smoke cleaning, sanitizing contaminated items, and drying out surfaces. Talk to the experts about other services such as temporary storage of your office equipment during restoration.

Dealing With Insurance

Insurance companies prefer to work with professional restoration companies to ensure that a damaged property has been completely and thoroughly cleaned. The pros will prioritize repairing and cleaning over replacing, which helps to lower the cost of your claim. Any documentation you can provide helps to expedite the claims process, minimizing the interruption to your business.

While you never hope to experience a fire at your business, you’ll be glad that you have a recovery plan in advance. From notifying the insurance company to calling a fire restoration service, it’s important to detail every base that needs to be covered before you have a problem. The sooner you can get back to pre-fire business, the better it is for everyone.