Fire Damage Mitigation and Repair

EMS Restoration is your local expert when it comes to all forms of residential and commercial fire damage restoration. Smoke removal, soot, and total losses.

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Fire Damage Restoration & Repair

Fire damage is devastating and can turn your life into chaos. The first and most important step is to ensure you and your family are safe. EMS Restoration is here to support you 24/7 when disaster strikes. We have extensive experience working with homeowners who have faced kitchen fires, electrical fires, and damage from wildfires. Our full-service restoration process covers everything from initial mitigation to complete repairs, making us your one-stop contractor for fire damage restoration while ensuring seamless communication with your insurance company.

What to do directly after a fire

Step 1: Ensure Safety and Contact Your Insurance

After a fire, the immediate priority is safety. Once you have confirmed that everyone is safe, contact your insurance to start the fire claim. However, do not allow them to send a contractor/vendor to your home for you. While this might seem convenient, it could hinder your ability to be fully compensated for your losses. Check out our page on TPA’s for more about that. It’s essential to find out your coverage limits and set up your Additional Living Expenses (ALE) coverage. ALE will help you afford a rental that matches the size and functionality of your home. For example, if you have a 2,000 sqft home with five bedrooms and three bathrooms, your insurance should cover a similar rental. Be vigilant, as some policies may cover less than $10,000 in additional living expenses, which can run out quickly.

Step 2: Understand the Fire Restoration Process

The average fire restoration process can take 4 months to a year, depending on the extent of the damage and the available funding. Two main factors contribute to the time frame: insurance companies often move slowly with approvals for costs exceeding $100,000, and if the damage has compromised electrical, structural framing, or plumbing, permits must be submitted to the county. The county approval process can take 4 to 6 months on average. While cleanup work can begin during this time, no repairs can commence until the plans and permits are approved.

Step 3: Choose a Trustworthy Contractor

Finding a reliable contractor to handle both mitigation and repairs is vital. EMS Restoration specializes in both, ensuring that we manage the insurance negotiations on your behalf. Navigating insurance negotiations can be challenging, especially when costs are high. Our team takes 3D models upon arrival to catalog damage, take measurements, and inventory your belongings. Remember, you may not recall every item lost in the fire, but documentation is crucial for your claim.

DO NOT GET A PUBLIC ADJUSTER WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR CONTRACTOR – READ MORE ABOUT THAT HERE

Step 4: Stay Informed and Engaged

Maintain regular communication with your contractor and insurance company. For the first month, request bi-weekly updates on the progress. After that, aim for weekly updates to ensure the restoration is moving along smoothly.

Step 5: Communicate with Your Mortgage Company

If you have a mortgage on your home, speak with your mortgage company within the first week of the fire and share your claim information. Be sure to understand their procedures for getting two-party checks signed. Often, checks from insurance companies exceeding $10,000 are sent as two-party checks that require signatures from both the homeowner and the mortgage company. Check for local branches with signing authority to expedite this process.

Step 6: Seek Additional Resources

While you are out of your home, consider reaching out for additional aid from various organizations, such as the California Community Foundation, California Fire Foundation, American Red Cross, Airbnb Disaster Response, FEMA Individual Assistance Program, GoFundMe, and local food banks. These resources can provide essential support during your recovery.

Get help with your Fire Damage Needs

Immediate Needs After a Fire

This is a quick guide to help you think about the needs of someone directly following a fire. If you know someone affected by a fire these are they ways they will need help most. If you were affected by the fire, feel free to share this list and information to your family and friends that are asking how to help.

Shelter, Clothing, and Essentials: The first 24-48 hours after a fire are about survival. People need a safe place to sleep, clean clothes, and basic toiletries. Donations to local shelters or directly to families are crucial.
ID and Important Documents: Losing a home often means losing important paperwork. Help victims replace essential documents like driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and insurance information quickly.
Cash, Not Just Stuff: Donations of clothes and furniture are appreciated, but what victims really need is cash or gift cards to purchase items they require.
Mental and Emotional Support: The trauma of a fire can lead to shock, grief, and PTSD. Offering support, whether through listening or helping with small tasks, can make a significant difference.
Don’t Forget the Pets: If pets survive, they may need emergency vet care or temporary shelter. If you can foster an animal temporarily, it’s a huge help.
Help with the Long Haul: Recovery continues long after the immediate aftermath. Check in with victims weeks or months later with support, whether it’s a meal, a ride, or just companionship.

Conclusion

EMS Restoration is here to partner with you during this difficult time to restore your home. We pride ourselves on our unparalleled service and client satisfaction guarantee. As a veteran-owned and operated company, we are dedicated to providing support 24/7. Call us today to get your estimate and let us help you reclaim your home from fire damage