Fire & Smoke FAQ
If your home has suffered from smoke and fire damage, we’re sure you have a ton of questions. Here, we’ve compiled some of the most common questions that we get asked. Of course, every situation is unique, so if you find yourself left with more questions than answers, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation. We can help you master your disaster.
Because there are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Consult with your ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Manager on the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.
We suggest that you do not attempt any "do-it-yourself" cleaning methods without consulting your ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Manager. Pre-testing, using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a fire restoration technician expertly controls the results.
Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings.
At ServiceMaster Clean, occupant and worker safety is top priority. During the initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical cords and appliances are separate out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation of safe operation. Electrical power may be turned off and kept off until evaluation by a licensed electrician.
We recommend that you do not turn on your furnace or air conditioning unit without clearance from the HVAC contractor.
- Pets
- Cash
- Checkbooks
- Personal Documents
- Medications
- Valuable Jewelry
- Valuable Paintings
- Stamp/Coin Collections
- Flammables
- Weapons/Ammunition
- Gasoline Cans
We recommend you make a list of items (including food items) deemed non-restorable. Use a format like the sample below, or obtain a similar form from your insurance company. Make a copy for your insurance company and keep one for yourself.
This is ultimately your decision. Some things you may want to consider are safety concerns, odors, electricity, noise from equipment, etc. If vacating your premises for any length of time, consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence; stop newspaper and other deliveries; notify utility company, cable Company, etc. of temporary suspension of services.
There are some items that may require general contractors, such as dry wall/painting, electrical, plumbing, roofing, framing/finish carpentry, flooring/carpet, installation of doors, windows, cabinets, post construction clean up etc. Please talk with a ServiceMaster Clean representative, as we have the ability to provide these services to you through our own in-house ServiceMaster Construction Company.
Depending on the source, nature and extent of the fire, it may be best to remove all belongings to a secure facility for cleaning, storage and to make room for restoration or construction.
ServiceMaster Clean will work with you and your insurance claim representative to manage this process.
Yes, with advance notice we can schedule time for a ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Representative to meet with you and provide access to your requested items.
Some high value items require restoration by specialist. Working with your insurance claim representative, we can help you identify these and locate a qualified restorer.
Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing repairs and payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, ServiceMaster Clean generally collects the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you. If you have a large loss, your mortgage company may be included as a payee on the payment from your insurance company, and you may need to obtain a signature from them as well. If your claim is not covered by the insurance or you decide not to file a claim, you will be expected to pay in full.
