Why Secure a Building After a Fire?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

If you have commercial property damage, call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville.

A building with fire damage may not seem like a desirable location, but several factors can attract looters, trespassers, or vandals. Here are a few reasons that SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville has put together why a building owner or manager should secure the premises after a fire is extinguished.

To Prevent Further Damage

Every person that enters a building with fire damage is likely to make it worse. Several factors may include:

• Admitting debris
• Admitting water
• Grinding soot into surfaces
• Boarding up holes in doors and windows and using tarps to cover a damaged roof is the best way to prevent these damages.

A building owner may also want to consider installing security fencing until the fire restoration is complete.

To Limit Liability

A property owner may be liable if anyone, including a third party, sustains an injury on the property. Security measures can make it more difficult for trespassers to get into a structure with fire damage and the risk of becoming injured.

To Discourage Looting

Several items in a fire-damaged property may be desirable to looters. Even after damages and destruction, a business may retain elements, such as:

• Inventory
• Fixtures
• Wiring

Looting may still pose a risk regardless of whether building materials, fixtures, or other contents are intact or in need of disposable and replacement. A board-up, combined with security fencing, can help to limit losses and damage caused by trespassing.

Securing a building demonstrates an owner's desire to mitigate damage. Most insurers will seek evidence that mitigation is taking place. Securing a location that has fire damage is one of the best ways to indicate an intention to restore the building for practical use as soon as possible. Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 today!