Before you attempt to re-enter your property, make sure the authorities have released the property and their investigation has been completed. Do not cut or walk past colored, caution tape that was placed over doors or windows to mark damaged areas unless local authorities advise that it is safe to do so.

Check the outside of your home before you enter. Look for loose power lines, broken or damaged gas lines, foundation cracks, or other damage. Make sure that porch roofs and overhangs still have all their supports. Damage on the outside of your home could be an indication that the inside of your home is seriously unsafe. Ask a building inspector or contractor to check the structure before you enter. Board-up any openings that may have been broken out due to the incident.

Leave your children with a friend/relative while you conduct your first inspection of your home after the loss. While the site may be unsafe for children, seeing the damage may also upset them and have negative long-term effects.

If there is no significant visible outside damage, then check inside. Carefully open the door. If doors are jammed, do not force them open. The doors could provide support for the structure of your home and your home could collapse if you force anything open. Portions of the structure may be compromised and framing may need to be supported or removed for safety and security. Jagged edges, debris and nails may be exposed. If power has been lost, the inside will be very dark, especially if the windows have been boarded up. Loosened or hanging debris may need to be removed prior to re-entry.

Protect your body- wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, closed-toed rubber-soled shoes or boots. Put on work gloves and put on a dusk mask or respirator when you enter your damaged home. Bring a flashlight so you can see in dark areas.

Smell, look and listen. If you detect the odor of natural gas, propane gas, or hear a hissing noise, leave the property immediately and get well away from it. Call the fire department and proceed as they instruct. Listen for running water and look for anything that might be a potential problem. You may need to contact a plumber, electrician, or heating contractor to safe off the mechanicals.

Damaged furnishings and building parts may be unstable. Be very cautious when moving near them. Avoid holding, touching, or leaning against damaged building parts. Hire a contractor to secure the building or remove damaged items.

Check the ceiling for signs of sagging. Water from fire hoses or rain may wet plaster or wallboard. Wet plaster and wallboard is very heavy and dangerous if it falls. Remove such items or puncture the ceilings to release water that may be trapped above them. Buildings that have sustained water damage should be dehumidified immediately to prevent further damage and the growth of mold.

Check the floor for sagging. Do not walk on sagging floors. If small sections of floors are sagging, place thick plywood panels or boards over the damaged area. Make sure the wood extends at least 8 to 12 inches on each side of the sagging areas.

Dehumidify and exchange the air inside your home. If it is dry outside, open windows and doors in order to ventilate and dry your home. Utilize dehumidifiers and air movers. Much of this equipment is stocked and ready for dispatch at our facility.

Have an electrician inspect the property. Disconnect and check all appliances for water damage. Isolate any damaged feeds or outlets. If the electricity is on and there are sparks, broken/frayed wires, or if you smell hot insulation, immediately turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Run temporary lighting if necessary and re-energize vital equipment such as sub-pumps, furnaces and refrigerators. If there is water on the floor between you and the fuse box or breaker panel, do not step or stand in the water. Call a qualified electrician.

Take photographs and video of the damages.

Check each telephone to see if it is still on the hook.

If you have a heating oil tank system, turn off all valves and contact a professional who specializes in the maintenance of such equipment.

Do not use sinks, showers, or toilets if you suspect sewer damage; instead, call a plumber.

Check the house for cleaning supplies that may cause toxic fumes. If there is a noxious odor, or your eyes water, open a window and leave the house.

Call a professional to clean/repair any damage to your structure caused by fire, smoke, soot, and water. United Cleaning & Restoration, LLC specializes in all phases of damage restoration.

Make sure that the contractor cleaning and rebuilding your home obtains proper permits and follows proper codes for your area.

Make copies of important documents and store in a safe place.