After the Damage: The First 24 Hours

When fire or a severe storm damages your home, most people worry first about their family’s safety, followed by the structure of their house and their belongings inside. After the initial shock wears off, you’ll begin to think through all that is lost. Most material items can be replaced. Some can be salvaged. Family heirlooms, photos, and other irreplaceable items may be lost forever.

But one of the biggest things you’ve lost is the security that comes with having a place to live. And as the reality of the situation takes hold, one very important question will rise to the surface: Where will we sleep tonight? If your wallets, purses, and cell phones go up in flames, how will you reserve and pay for a hotel room? If the fire damages your cars, how will you even get to a hotel?

These questions are real and ones that Restorations by Highmark can help with. While this may be the first time you’ve dealt with fire or storm damage, we’ve been through this type of unfortunate situation many times, and we’ve developed a process to ensure your loved ones, your home, and your belongings are taken care of once your home becomes uninhabitable.

At this critical stage in a catastrophe, it’s important to have someone on your side who understands the trials of losing a home. Restorations by Highmark has helped hundreds of families navigate the uncertainties of the first 24 hours.

When we first receive a call that a home has been damaged by fire or a storm, our team jumps into action. We follow a rigorous four-step process that puts family first while safeguarding your home and its belongings.

Step 1: Start with Family First

We arrive on site within an hour of your call and meet with you to check in on the safety of your family and pets. Once the fire is out or the storm has passed, we’ll secure your home from any secondary damages and potential theft.

If you’re without a place to stay and don’t have transportation or immediate resources, we’ll work with you to find a safe option—potentially arranging a ride to a nearby hotel. We can also help gather and possibly provide essentials for the first 24 hours, like toiletries, blankets, stuffed animals for kids, phone chargers, and something to eat.

Step 2: Secure Your House

Next, we’ll connect with you and the local fire department to understand the extent of the damage and our role in helping to secure the structure. Our team will board up doors and windows, tarp any large holes, and lock all doors to secure your home and any remaining personal belongings.

Step 3: Contact Your Insurance Company

It’s important to contact your insurance company at your earliest convenience to notify them of your loss. Let them know you’re working with Restorations by Highmark to secure your home. Before the restoration process begins, we’ll complete a Matterport scan of every inch of your home to inventory your personal belongings for your insurance claim.

Step 4: Begin Mitigation Process

The mitigation process starts with assessing and stabilizing the property. After a fire or storm, your home can become a dangerous place. Appliances are often unstable, electrical wires can become loose, the structure may be unsteady, and there’s always the danger of smoke and soot still lingering in the air. We’ll stabilize your home to remove any dangers and begin coordinating the inspection process with your insurance company.

A few days after the incident, we’ll walk through the general restoration process with you and help you make good decisions going forward. We’ll also work closely with your insurance company to understand the allotted home restoration budget.

Once a contract is signed, we’ll begin the home restoration process. Our interior design partners at Ruby + Suede will work alongside you. You’ll meet with an interior designer to select carpeting, flooring, cabinetry, and any other items that were damaged.

At the same time, our restoration team will be busy removing all damaged materials and reconstructing your home. If fire was involved, we will backspray the structure of the home to prevent any smell of smoke. All areas that have water damage will be treated to prevent future mold and mildew. Once your property is restored, we’ll return your cleaned and sanitized personal belongings.