After the fire is extinguished and emergency responders have left, the priorities are safety, preventing further damage, documenting losses, and beginning the recovery process.

Here’s a checklist to walk you through the process:

Wait until the property is safe to enter. You should only re-enter your home or office building when the professionals have done their job and tell you it’s safe. If they say it isn’t safe, believe them! They may be aware of structural damages or unstable ceilings issues you can’t see, not to mention electrical hazards or gas leaks or contaminated air that are invisible to you.

Contact First In Restoration to assess the problem. A trained professional can help you take the steps that will help you get through the insurance process faster and more efficiently. You’ll want the voice of experience that First In Restoration offers to walk alongside you.

Avoid touching soot or damaged material. Be careful where you step and what you touch. Soot and smoke residue can spread easily and could stain surfaces. It is important to avoid handling affected items – even precious keepsakes – until the damage can be assessed.

Document all damage. Use your smartphone to document the damage. Shoot video of each room that has been affected, slowly panning through the scene as you walk along. Take as many cellphone photos as you need to show every item that has been damaged. You’ll want to conduct a room-by-room inventory of the damage and photo and video evidence will help in your case to get them replaced.

Notify your insurance company. When things have settled down, report the loss as soon as possible. This is where First In Restoration can be very helpful. The professional technicians can help partner with your insurance company to ensure that you get the most settlement that is possible.

Arrange professional restoration and cleanup. First In Restoration can test for hazardous chemicals (asbestos, lead, chemicals) that may have been unleashed or revealed during the fire. You will want fire damage restoration professionals to assess and clean the property and set up a plan to get you back into your home or business.

Grab all your important belongings. When the area is safe and you get the proper approval, retrieve your important documents, medications, valuables and electronics. If needed, you might want to rent a storage unit and keep them in a clean, dry location.

Don’t forget to document your expenses. Life goes on, but you’ll need to keep receipts so you can be reimbursed. Keep a file of all communications, invoices, estimates, receipts, and claim-related documents throughout the restoration process.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: First In Restoration joins Atlanta Apartment Association

First In Restoration has joined the Atlanta Apartment Association, one of largest organizations of its kind in the United States.

“We have always admired and respected the values for which the Atlanta Apartment Association has stood,” First In Restoration owner David King said. “The organization represents 1.9 million Georgians, and we are proud to be a part of their effort to provide fast, quality response to those in need.”

The Atlanta Apartment Association represents more than 350 companies and manages more than 500,000 apartment homes.

King is U.S. Marine Corp veteran who resides in Loganville, Ga. King’s company, First In Restoration specializes in water damage restoration, fire restoration and mold removal and remediation for multi-family dwellings, commercial buildings and residential properties throughout Georgia, with a focus in Gwinnett County and metro Atlanta.

First In Restoration is guided by the principle by which many of us were raised: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

This lesson really hit home when an elderly friend had a dishonest company take advantage of their family during an emergency. David saw the mistreatment and realized people in distress need a trustworthy friend to walk alongside them through the process.

“Our model of high quality and fast response matches the needs of Atlanta’s apartment owners. I see First In Restoration as a perfect partner for the Atlanta Apartment Association.”

First In Restoration is an IICRC certified firm and holds certification in water, fire, odor and mold removal and is a member of Restoration Industry Association.

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Contact information:

David King, First In Restoration, www.firstinrestoration.com

(678) 483-7284, info@firstinrestoration.com

Download a printable copy here: Press Release