How to Avoid Costly Errors During Fire Recovery
Experiencing a house fire is a devastating event that can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Once the flames are out and the fire department has cleared the scene, many people unknowingly make critical mistakes in the days and weeks that follow. These mistakes can delay recovery, worsen property damage, or even pose health risks.
At ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON, we’ve helped countless homeowners in Midland, MI, navigate the aftermath of fire damage, providing expert cleanup, restoration services, and peace of mind during challenging times. Based on our experience, here are seven of the most common mistakes to avoid after a fire:
1. Entering the Home Too Soon
One of the biggest and most dangerous mistakes homeowners make is reentering the property too quickly. Even if the fire appears to be out, hidden hazards like structural instability, lingering smoke, and live electrical wires can pose serious threats.
What to do instead: Always wait until the fire department or a licensed inspector confirms that it's safe to enter. If you must retrieve essential items, wear protective gear and limit your time inside.
2. Failing to Contact the Insurance Company Promptly
After a fire, your first call should be to ensure your family’s safety. Your second call should be to your insurance provider. Waiting too long to notify them can slow the claims process and complicate your financial recovery.
What to do instead: Contact your insurer as soon as possible to start the claim and get guidance on what steps to take. Document all communication and keep detailed records of the damage.
3. Attempting DIY Cleanup
Smoke and soot may seem like surface-level problems, but they can seep deep into materials, damage electronics, and cause long-term odor and corrosion. DIY cleaning efforts often worsen the damage or spread contaminants to unaffected areas.
What to do instead: Hire trained professionals for fire and smoke damage cleanup. ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON uses specialized equipment and proven methods to safely remove smoke residues, deodorize the space, and begin the restoration process.
4. Throwing Away Damaged Items Prematurely
While it may be tempting to begin tossing charred belongings, doing so too early can interfere with your insurance claim. Your adjuster will need to assess all damaged property before you remove or discard anything.
What to do instead: Take photos and create an inventory of all damaged items. Only dispose of items once you’ve received the go-ahead from your insurance provider.
5. Neglecting Smoke and Soot Damage
Even small fires can leave behind extensive smoke and soot contamination. Left untreated, these particles can corrode surfaces, stain walls, and create persistent odors. In some cases, they can also cause respiratory issues and aggravate asthma or allergies.
What to do instead: Treat smoke and soot as a serious concern. Fire damage restoration professionals like ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON can assess the extent of contamination and use HEPA filtration and thermal fogging equipment to neutralize odors and clean affected areas safely.
6. Delaying Professional Help
The longer you wait to bring in a professional restoration team, the worse the damage can become. Soot and smoke continue to deteriorate surfaces over time, and moisture left from firefighting efforts can lead to mold growth within days.
What to do instead: Call a trusted restoration company as soon as you’re able. At ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON, we offer 24/7 emergency services and rapid response times to help prevent further damage and start recovery as soon as possible.
7. Overlooking Emotional Recovery
House fires are traumatic events, especially for children and elderly family members. Many homeowners become so focused on property damage that they forget to address the emotional toll the fire has taken.
What to do instead: Take time to process your experience. Consider speaking with a counselor or therapist, and allow yourself grace during the recovery process. Rebuilding your home is important, but so is healing emotionally from the experience.
Restore Your Home with Confidence
Recovering from a house fire isn’t easy, but avoiding these common mistakes can help you get back on your feet faster and more safely. Whether you're dealing with smoke damage, water-damaged belongings, or structural concerns, having a reliable restoration partner makes all the difference.
ServiceMaster Restoration by FUSON is here to support you every step of the way. Our certified technicians provide expert fire damage restoration services tailored to your unique situation. From emergency board-up and debris removal to complete reconstruction, we’re committed to restoring your home and your peace of mind.
If you’ve experienced a fire in your home, don’t wait. Contact us online or call (989) 200-5126 today for prompt, professional restoration services in Midland.
