By Elizabeth Ogunseye
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June 5, 2025
Dos After a House Fire 1. Do Stay Safe and Ensure Everyone Is Accounted For The safety of your family members and pets is the top priority after a fire. If the fire department has not yet cleared the building for re-entry, do not attempt to go back inside. Fires can cause structural damage that isn’t visible, and re-entering a building before it's safe could be life-threatening. Once you're outside, check that everyone is accounted for. Contact local authorities to report anyone who may still be inside or unaccounted for, and follow their instructions for re-entry. 2. Do Contact Your Insurance Company Immediately One of the first steps after a fire is to notify your insurance company. Provide them with details of the fire, its cause (if known), and any immediate damage. Insurance companies often require documentation of the damage, so it’s important to begin gathering evidence as soon as possible. Property Doctors can assist with the documentation process by conducting a thorough inspection and providing the necessary reports for your insurance claim. 3. Do Call a Professional Restoration Company Water damage from firefighting efforts and soot buildup can cause significant harm to your property if not addressed promptly. Property Doctors specializes in fire damage restoration and smoke odor removal, offering a comprehensive restoration plan. We work with your insurance provider to streamline the claims process and ensure that your home is fully restored to its original condition. Professionals like Property Doctors use industrial-grade equipment for water extraction, drying, smoke odor elimination, soot cleanup, and structural repairs. Our certified team will address all aspects of the damage and help you recover from the fire efficiently. 4. Do Take Photos of the Damage Documenting the damage is essential for your insurance claim. Take detailed photos of both the visible damage and any hidden damage, such as soot buildup on walls or ceilings. This documentation will serve as crucial evidence for your claim and help your restoration team assess the extent of the fire damage. 5. Do Ventilate Your Home (If Safe to Do So) If the fire department has cleared the building for re-entry, open doors and windows (if safe) to allow fresh air in. This will help reduce smoke odor and improve indoor air quality. However, make sure there are no immediate risks such as hot spots or lingering embers before doing so. Ventilation also helps to reduce moisture buildup from firefighting efforts, which can lead to mold growth if left unchecked. Don’ts After a House Fire 1. Don’t Enter Your Home Until It’s Safe Even if the fire seems to be completely out, smoke, chemicals, and toxic residues may still pose a danger. Fire-damaged buildings are often structurally compromised, so it’s essential that you wait for fire professionals and restoration experts to declare the property safe to enter. Returning too soon can expose you to hazardous materials or hidden dangers that aren’t immediately visible. 2. Don’t Touch or Clean Damaged Items As tempting as it might be to start cleaning your belongings, resist the urge. Items damaged by fire or smoke should be handled by professionals. The soot left behind can be corrosive, causing further damage if cleaned incorrectly. Additionally, improper cleaning of damaged walls, carpets, or furniture can make the restoration process more challenging and costly. Property Doctors has the right tools and expertise to clean and restore your belongings safely, including furniture, fabrics, electronics, and documents. Don’t risk further harm to your property by attempting DIY cleaning. 3. Don’t Try to Remove Smoke Odors Yourself Smoke odors can seep into everything—walls, furniture, carpets, and air ducts. While air fresheners or DIY cleaning solutions may temporarily mask the odor, they won’t eliminate it. In fact, improper treatment can cause the smoke odor to become more embedded in your property. At Property Doctors , we use advanced deodorization methods like ozone treatment and hydroxyl generators to neutralize smoke odors thoroughly. These techniques are highly effective in removing lingering odors and preventing them from returning. 4. Don’t Ignore Your Property’s Structural Integrity After a fire, structural damage may not be immediately obvious, but it can compromise the safety of your home. Avoid attempting to assess or repair structural damage yourself. Fire can weaken beams, walls, and roofing, making it unsafe to enter without professional inspection. Property Doctors works closely with structural engineers and local authorities to ensure your home is safe to inhabit after a fire. We’ll inspect your property’s foundation, walls, roof, and load-bearing elements to identify any areas that need reinforcement. 5. Don’t Delay Restoration Services Fire damage worsens over time if not addressed promptly. In addition to fire damage, water from firefighting efforts can cause mold and mildew to develop, adding further complications. The longer you wait to begin restoration, the more difficult and costly it becomes to fully restore your property. With Property Doctors , we understand the urgency and work quickly to mitigate further damage. Our team provides 24/7 emergency restoration services in Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, Boulder, and surrounding areas, ensuring your home is secured and restored without delay. Why Property Doctors Is the Trusted Restoration Expert in Denver and Surrounding Areas Expertise in Fire Damage Restoration : We’re trained to handle all aspects of fire and smoke damage, including water extraction, cleaning, odor removal, and structural repairs. Full-Service Restoration : From the initial inspection to final repairs, we offer comprehensive restoration services that cover all your needs. Insurance Assistance: We work with all major insurance providers to streamline claims and reduce stress. Locally Owned and Operated: Serving Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, Boulder, and surrounding areas, we know the unique needs of Colorado homeowners. Customer-Focused Approach : We ensure clear communication and complete transparency from start to finish. Contact Property Doctors for Fire Damage Restoration If you’ve experienced a fire in Denver, Arvada, Lakewood, Boulder, or nearby areas, don’t wait. Call Property Doctors at 888-456-0911 to get expert fire damage restoration services and get your home back to its pre-loss condition.