What To Do After Fire, Smoke, & Water Damage
Have you experienced
fire, smoke, or water damage?
This guide will help you
take the right next steps
to protect your family,
your property,
and your insurance claim.
Step 1: Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
☑ No re-entry – Do not re-enter the property until emergency personnel say it is safe.
☑ Step wisely – Watch for unstable structures, slippery floors, exposed wiring, or sharp debris.
☑ Avoid standing water – it may contain contaminants or hidden electrical hazards.
☑ If instructed - shut off water or electricity only if instructed by professionals.
If anything feels unsafe - wait for professional help!
Safety always comes first.
Step 2: Document What You See
☑ Photos & Videos – take photos and videos of all visible damage before moving items.
☑ Wide Shots & Close-ups – capture wide shots and close-ups of damaged areas and belongings.
☑ List damages – make a list of affected rooms and major items.
☑ Save receipts - save receipts for all emergency expenses (hotel, food, supplies).
This documentation helps your insurance claim
move faster and more smoothly.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Carrier
☑ Call insurance – call your insurance company to open a claim asap.
☑ Ask your insurance – ask about emergency mitigation coverage and next steps.
☑ Verify coverages – verify your coverages with your agent, asking if you have actual cost coverage or replacement cost coverage.
☑ Record claim # - write down your claim number and adjust contact information.
RestorU is trusted
by industry and insurance professionals, homeowners,
and first responders.
Step 4: Avoid These Common Mistakes
☑ Keep damaged items – until your insurance company documents the damaged items, do not throw them away.
☑ Don't cleanup – until you receive approval, do not start any major cleanup.
☑ No plug-in's – do not plug-in wet electrical equipment.
☑ Don't sign contracts - do not sign contracts you do not understand.
☑ Damage underneath - do not assume damage is only surface-level - hidden moisture causes mold.
Step 5: What Happens Next
☑ Emergency stabilization & extraction – emergency stabilization and water extraction.
☑ Drying – structural drying and moisture monitoring.
☑ Assessment & documentation – damage assessment and documentation.
☑ Adjuster - coordination with your insurance adjuster.
☑ Restoration process - it begins with the repairs, the rebuilding, and the final restoration.
Our goal is to restore your home safely, efficiently, and ☑ 24/7 Emergency Response ☑ Licensed and insured in Wisconsin ☑ IICRC-certified restoration professionals ☑ Direct insurance documentation and coordination ☑ Residential and commercial restoration ☑ Fire, water, storm, mold, repair, & remodeling ☑ 3-Day Dry Billing Guarantee - drying charges capped after day three Find your Local RestorU location → Established over twenty years ago, RestorU maintains a longstanding tradition of delivering exceptional services across Wisconsin, earning the trust and respect of homeowners, business property owners, insurance agents, and home service providers. Hubbell Galvin-Darnieder, President & Owner RestorU’s mission is to protect your property and restore it quickly and professionally. Our team uses advanced equipment and proven techniques to handle even the most complex damage. Whether we are responding to a home disaster or a large-scale commercial disaster, RestorU is ready to respond, restore, and rebuild—with professionalism, compassion, and a relentless commitment to excellence. For those facing unexpected property damage, help is just a call away! Find your Local RestorU location → Our certified technicians respond immediately to water emergencies, using advanced extraction equipment and industrial-grade dehumidifiers to prevent further damage and mold growth. We determine the full extent of fire damage, including the impact of smoke, soot, and heat. Our team handles everything from odor removal to complete structural restoration. Wisconsin weather can be unpredictable. Our storm damage experts provide immediate emergency response to secure your property and begin restoration. Mold can pose serious health risks and structural damage. Our certified mold remediation specialists use proven techniques to safely remove mold and prevent future growth. Sewage backups require immediate professional attention. Our team safely removes contaminated water, sanitizes affected areas, and restores your property to safe conditions. From minor repairs to complete rebuilds, our construction team handles all aspects of structural restoration and remodeling to bring your property back to its original condition—or better. Find answers to common questions about our services Yes, we handle all types of residential restoration services. Our team provides comprehensive estimates at no cost to homeowners. Absolutely! We specialize in both residential and commercial restoration, with the equipment and expertise to handle projects of any size. We follow industry-standard protocols for mold remediation, including containment, HEPA filtration, and safe removal techniques to protect your health. Yes, we provide complete reconstruction services from initial cleanup through final rebuild, acting as your general contractor throughout the process. Yes, our emergency response team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to your urgent restoration needs. Still have questions? Explore more FAQ's
with minimum disruption.
We handle it all so you don't have to!
How RestorU Supports You
A Legacy of Quality
Your Property, Protected –
Your Peace of Mind, RestoredRestorU offers a comprehensive range of property restoration services, including:
Water Damage Restoration
Learn More About Water Damage →
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
Learn More About Fire & Smoke Damage →
Storm & Wind Damage Restoration
Learn More About Storm Damage →
Mold Removal & Remediation
Learn More About Mold Remediation →
Sewer & Sewage Backup Cleanup
Learn More About Sewer Backup →
Structural Rebuild & Remodeling
Learn More About Rebuilds →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer free estimates for home repairs?
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Can you handle large commercial water damage?
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How do you remove mold safely?
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Do you handle full reconstruction after a fire?
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Are you available 24/7 for storm emergencies?
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