A Practical Guide from Lindstrom Restoration
At Lindstrom Restoration, we have helped hundreds of families and businesses recover from devastating fires. We hope it never happens to you, but if it does, know there are professionals like Lindstrom who are experienced in dealing with the aftermath, both your property and more importantly, the emotional trauma that comes with it. A home fire can be overwhelming—physically, emotionally, and financially. After a fire, knowing what steps to take can help homeowners protect their property, streamline the claims process, and begin recovery as smoothly as possible. Recovering from such a horrific event is never going to be easy, especially the psychological part, so you’ll want to deal with a company that cares and has compassion for what you are going through.
Lindstrom Restoration shares one thing with morticians. People say they never want to call us as that usually means something bad just happened. We understand. At Lindstrom we have seen the catastrophic effects of fire on people, pets and property. Most people know that fires can kill or injure. What they don’t often see is the collateral damage done to firefighters and other first responders who are routinely called to house and business fires. Fighting fires is obviously very dangerous. Some men and women who do this brave work suffer from many physiological and psychological issues.
Lindstrom is a proud sponsor of two organizations who help fighters deal with resulting health problems. One is the Minnesota Firefighter Initiative (MnFIRE). MnFIRE provides Minnesota’s firefighters with the tools they need to prioritize and protect their health. Cardiac issues, emotional trauma and cancer are just some of the problems this organization helps firefighter families who’ve suffered adverse health effects.
Firefighters for Healing is another great charitable group that supports injured firefighters and first responders. Lindstrom Restoration encourages you to check out these outstanding organizations and consider donating. These courageous people need our help.
Since we are so intimately involved with fires, the families affected, and first responders who’ve suffered from them, we thought it would be helpful to construct a step-by-step guide on what to do immediately after you’ve called the fire department.
1. Put Safety First
Your safety—and that of your family—always comes first. Even if it is a small fire, call the fire department immediately. Some people lose valuable time trying to put the fire out themselves. Make sure everyone and every pet is safe first and accounted for. Whether it is a parked car, neighbor’s house or a relative or friend’s dwelling, move people and pets away from the burning structure into shelter. Pets and children will be frightened and will behave unpredictably, so it is good to get them far away from fire and smoke. Do not return to your home until fire officials say it’s safe, even though it may be tempting to pull a car out or go inside to get valuables. Fires can weaken structures and leave behind harmful fumes or hidden hot spots. When re-entry is permitted, wear protective gear and avoid touching damaged electrical appliances or wiring.
2. Consult with Firefighter Leadership Next
There will be a fire chief, assistant fire chief, or captain who is in charge. Your home is now their fire scene, and firefighters call the shots. Follow their directions and advice. Most people are unaware that after a fire, the home or business needs, by law, to be boarded up, tarped, and secured before the fire department can leave. People’s response, especially in the middle of the night, is almost always, “I have no idea who to call to do this.” Thankfully, most fire departments have suggestions for vetted contractors who can arrive quickly (usually within 1-2 hours) and do this work professionally and efficiently. Once these companies arrive and start boarding up, the fire department can then leave the scene.
You will discover that some unscrupulous companies listen to public fire and police scanners and will show up to fire scenes uninvited. These “ambulance chasers” will then sit in their pickup trucks and await an opportunity to high-pressure you to sign with them. Most fire departments do not appreciate uninvited guests lurking at their fire scenes. These unwanted people often get in the way and sometimes obstruct their efforts. Firefighters also don’t like to see homeowners subjected to a hard sell after they have suffered a devastating loss and are in a vulnerable emotional state. Lindstrom Restoration does not show up to fires uninvited, nor do we hard sell home or business owners at a fire scene. We are well known by almost all Twin City community fire departments, and many include us in their list of contractor referrals. They know we will arrive on time and do a professional job. Also, since Lindstrom Restoration is experienced with board-ups, we earn the confidence of home and business owners to do the resulting fire mitigation and repairs. The vast majority of the time, fire departments never hear back from disgruntled home and business owners.
3. Be Prepared to Call the Fire Department Back. Once the Fire is Extinguished Contact Utilities
Fire departments almost always put the fire out, but sometimes the structure can reignite. Don’t hesitate to call the fire department back if you notice lingering smoke, live embers, or excessive heat. Then contact your gas, electric, and water companies to inspect and shut off utilities if needed. Avoid turning them back on yourself until professionals confirm it’s safe.
4. Contact Your Insurance Provider Right Away After A Fire
One of the most important steps you can take is to call your insurance company as soon as possible. Some insurance agents want you to call them first when these emergencies occur. If your agent is unavailable, call your insurance company’s 24-hour emergency loss number. Most insurance companies have them. Reporting your loss quickly allows your claim to be processed faster and ensures you receive guidance on next steps—such as temporary housing, approved contractors, and damage documentation. Even if your agent is not available, we recommend you call them early on the next business day. They will also have valuable advice and guidance for you.
You’ll eventually be assigned a claims adjuster, who will evaluate the extent of the damage and help determine your coverage and benefits.
5. Arrange Temporary Housing and Immediate Needs
If your home is unsafe to live in, you’ll need to shelter at a local hotel room or at the home of a relative, neighbor, or friend. If these sources aren’t possible, the American Red Cross can help. They can provide shelter, food and arrange for other needs. https://www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.html You’ll need the typical toiletries to get you through the night or temporary period, as well as additional clothes and any prescriptions you need, as intense heat will compromise most meds. To help you with this, most insurance policies have Additional Living Expense (ALE) coverage that may help pay for temporary housing, meals, and essential items. Your agent or claims representative can help you understand what’s covered and how to access funds quickly. Business owners will need to take steps to continue operations.
6. Contact a Professional Water and Fire Restoration Company As Soon As Possible
Often, this could be the contractor who boarded up your home or business. You’ll want a professional, certified contractor who does fire and water damage mitigation. Some people know someone or turn to a company they have a relationship with such as a remodeler or builder. The first question to ask them is if they are specialists in dealing with water or fire damage. This is critical. Most contractors do not have the skill set or experience to do this. They lack the expertise to dry structure and contents, nor can they effectively remove soot and smoke especially the lingering smell. Moreover, many are not accustomed to working with insurance companies.
Once the local fire department has cleared a home for restoration work, don’t delay the mitigation! It is imperative that you have a professional company take action immediately to dry structure and contents to avoid mold development. The fire department used hundreds of gallons of water to put out the fire. You only have a minimum of time, usually no more than 72 hours, to get things dried out. Recovery from a fire damage situation is also unique and requires specialization, since soot and smoke are acidic and harmful. Lindstrom Restoration and similar companies have certified, experienced personnel who specialize in this. By Minnesota State Law a home or business owner can work with whoever they wish. Make sure you vet companies well. Be careful with Internet word search options. The operator that has the know-how and money to get to the top of the sponsored companies list may not have the skill, experience, or ethics to do your job right.
Ask how long they have been in business and clarify their expertise, consumer experience, and warranty. Your insurance agent or adjuster can often tell you if the company you’re considering is a good one. Sadly, don’t solely rely on the Better Business Bureau or such social media consumer rating services as Yelp. Some companies are very adept at hiding their poor customer service. Some fraudulently pad their positive reviews.
7. Recover Salvageable Items and Replace Lost Documents and Records
Try and salvage any clothing, documents or items of sentimental value. They may be able to be cleaned. A professional water and fire damage restoration company will arrange to have any salvageable clothing or items immediately removed and cleaned using a specialized dry-cleaning company. This service provider will come to your home or business and remove items that can be cleaned. If your important documents were lost or damaged, begin the replacement process early. This includes identification, insurance policies, deeds, and financial records. Your insurance team can help you locate policy information and issue replacement documents promptly.
8. Document Your Damage Thoroughly
Before cleanup begins, take photos and videos of all fire and smoke damage, both inside and outside the home. Make a list of affected items with approximate values and purchase dates if possible. This record helps your adjuster process your claim efficiently and accurately. Don’t forget even the smallest items, even down to the last pencil and paper clip. It all adds up. Most people don’t realize how much they have. Ask your agent or restoration company for assistance in documenting all your property.
9. Prioritize Emotional Well-being
Recovering from a house fire takes more than rebuilding walls—it’s also about emotional healing. Don’t hesitate to seek support from family, friends, counselors, local relief organizations, or community resources. Many insurance companies offer support hotlines or partner programs to help families navigate the emotional aftermath. A contractor who has vast experience dealing with people who’ve suffered major losses is valuable, too. They understand what you’re going through and will be supportive in your recovery. One of the reasons Lindstrom Restoration employees work in this industry is because they care for people and get great satisfaction, helping them restore their lives.
10. Plan for Long-Term Recovery
Once immediate needs are handled, your adjuster and contractor will work together to help you map out a reconstruction plan to get you back in your home as soon as possible. In most cases, it takes months for the process to occur, up to 9 months, and even over a year in major fires. Each situation is different. When owners can make quick selections in paint, carpet, fixtures, and other items, the process usually goes faster. Also, many homeowners choose to do upgrades, additions, and remodels that extend the time it takes to get everything finished.
Your recovery process can also include an insurance coverage review. It’s often a good time to sit down with your insurance agent and review your policy to make sure you have adequate coverage and limits. You may wish to make some changes.
11. Keep receipts for all expenses related to repairs, temporary living, and replacements
These will be important for reimbursement.
All Things End. Your Life WILL Become Normal Again
A home fire can feel like an unthinkable setback, but with the right guidance and support, recovery will occur. In fact, when the entire job is finished, many homeowners are happy that everything is fresh and new. Some families choose to make remodeling changes they always contemplated, but never had the chance to act on. So temporary misery turns into long-term happiness. At Lindstrom Restoration, we’re committed to helping our customers restore, repair, and reconstruct with confidence and care. Let’s hope you never experience a fire. But if you do, or know someone who has, Lindstrom Restoration is here to help. At Lindstrom, we are always ready. Call 763-544-8761 24/7/365 to get an immediate response to your questions, needs, or concerns.
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