Fire Questions Series

We continue our series of answering your questions about fire damage restoration. Today’s topic addresses questions pertaining to Cleanup and Debris Removal.

After a fire damages your home or your business, it leaves behind more than just memories of the tragic event. It leaves behind literal damage from the fire, smoke and water. The things that are damaged were the things you had in your home or at your office. They were things you cared about.

We understand that cleaning up the charred remains can feel overwhelming, especially when it includes priceless possessions like pictures of loved ones and family heirlooms. We take great care in helping you preserve what is possible.

Let’s answer three questions we receive often about the cleanup process and how the debris is removed from the property.

Question #1 – How is debris and charred materials removed from the property?

Answer: Removing debris and charred materials is an important first step in the restoration process.

Some debris will be scattered throughout the building as a result of the flurry of extinguishing the fire.
Some debris will be piled up outside of doors or windows because the fire fighters were removing flammable items to prevent the spread of the fire.
Some debris will be charred beyond recognition or damaged to an extent that it cannot be used or saved.

We begin with assessing the area first, understanding what can be salvaged and what cannot.
We establish a plan of action as to how the debris will be removed from the area.
Then we begin carefully removing the damaged materials with intention to prevent further damage to the structure. This step is crucial for undercovering underlying issues and preparing the area for restoration.

All of the removed materials are disposed of properly according to local regulations. Environmental compliance is part of our responsibility in this process.

Question #2 – What safety precautions are taken during the debris removal process?

Answer: Safety is our top priority during the debris removal process. Safety in regards to our team, of course, but also to the building. We do not want to cause further damage to the structure during the debris removal.

Our team wears appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), such as gloves, masks and boots to safeguard against any hazardous materials.

Throughout the removal process, we are assessing the structures stability to prevent accidents or collapses during cleanup. Likewise, we are monitoring the air quality to ensure our team’s safety and to prepare for any risk to the area.

Being safe throughout the cleanup process involves an awareness of what is going on and how it changes as we remove more and more debris.

Question #3 – Is it safe to salvage any belongings or furniture from the fire-damaged area?

Answer: Being able to salvage any belongings or furniture always depends on the severity of the fire and how much impact the smoke and water had on the area.

We do not immediately throw out everything in the building. Many times homeowners and business owners are given an opportunity to go through the property to salvage the things that matter to them first.  As they sift through the debris, they may pull out anything and set it aside for safe-keeping.

For the items that are able to be salvaged, we can help clean the items to return them to their pre-fire condition as much as possible. While we strive to save what we can, safety remains the top priority. Some items may be beyond repair, but we handle every belonging with the care and respect it deserves, just as we would if it were our own home.

Caring Restoration

We understand that the aftermath of a fire involves more than just the physical cleanup. We care about our customers and their property, and we handle it with compassion and professionalism. Our team is committed to making the cleanup and debris removal process as smooth and safe as possible, helping you take a step closer to getting your life back to normal.

If you are facing the dauting task of fire damage restoration, you don’t have to do it alone. Give us a call at Swartz Restoration at 419-331-1024 to help you navigate the process with compassion, care, and professional quality.