Getting Back to Normal After the Fire

After Fire Restoration and Recovery in Billings, MT

Fires can turn your life upside down in minutes, damaging homes and businesses with flames, smoke, and the water used to fight them. The smoky smell can stick around, and some areas might not be safe to go into.

Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration helps you through the entire fire damage recovery process. We address the cleanup, remove water, and restore your belongings. Our goal is to get your property back to a safe and healthy place for you. To get started, call us or contact us online.

Check Safety Before Entering

Before you enter your property after a fire:

• Confirm it's safe: Always check with the fire department first. Floors, ceilings, and walls may be unstable.
• Check utilities: Electricity, gas, or water may be shut off. Do not turn them back on yourself.
• Avoid exposure: Do not eat, drink, or inhale anything near the fire, smoke, soot, or firefighting water.
• Delay cleanup: Avoid touching damaged items. Wait for expert guidance before starting cleanup.

Secure Your Home and Protect Pets

After a fire, it's important to secure your home and keep everyone safe:

• Board-up and tarping: Quickly cover openings to prevent further damage or unauthorized access.
• Notify authorities: Let local officials know if your property will be vacant.
• Temporary housing: Contact local disaster relief organizations for shelter, food, and essential needs.
• Pets: Keep pets safe by leaving them with friends, family, or a trusted caretaker until your home is restored.

Insurance Claim Assistance and Property Guidance After a Fire

Knowing what steps to take with your insurance, landlord, or lender can help protect your home and belongings after a fire. Here's what to do:

• Call your insurer: Notify them immediately about the fire and any damage.
• Protect your home: Ask about ways to secure your property until repairs begin.
• Document losses: Take inventory, photograph items, and keep receipts for recovery.
• Renters: Inform your landlord about the damage.
• Homeowners with a mortgage: Notify your lender about the situation.
• Without insurance: Contact local aid groups for housing, food, and essential support.

Recovering Important Documents

After a fire, many vital documents can be destroyed or damaged. It's important to know which items you may need to replace and start the process as soon as possible. These include:

• Driver's license, passport, and Social Security card
• Citizenship papers
• Birth, marriage, death, and divorce certificates
• Wills and other legal papers
• Credit cards, checks, stocks, bonds, and tax records
• Insurance policies and medical records/cards
• Vehicle registrations and titles
• Military discharge papers
• Warranties
• Animal registration papers

Replacing Cash Lost or Damaged in a Fire

Cash damaged in a fire may still hold value. If at least half of a bill is intact, it can usually be replaced through your Regional Federal Reserve Bank—such as the Helena branch of the Minneapolis Fed at 100 Neill Ave, Helena, Montana.

If you prefer to mail the damaged money, send it via registered mail with a return receipt to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C. Include a brief description of the damage and follow their instructions for replacement or reimbursement.

How Alpha Omega Disaster Restoration Helps After a Disaster to Your Property

After a fire, we help your home or business recover quickly and safely. Our after-fire cleanup and restoration services include:

• Board-up Services: Secure your property from weather, smoke, and unauthorized access.
• Water Extraction: Remove firefighting water to prevent mold, structural damage, or further issues.
• Smoke Damage: Eliminate smoke odor, soot, and debris throughout affected areas.
• Reconstruction: Repair or rebuild areas damaged by fire so your property is fully restored.
• Contents Restoration: Clean, restore, and safely store belongings affected by fire and smoke.