Professional Inspections and Testing Matter
A fire in your home or business is devastating. Losing your belongings can make things feel even worse. Fire, water, and smoke create new health risks in the short and long term. There is hope, and you can take steps to recover your property and move forward. Volunteer Environmental helps property owners by providing important information through third-party inspections, sample collection, lab analysis, and clear reports. Our reports help resolve claims quickly and ensure that cleanup is done right.
Clearing the Air – Quality Testing
After a fire, air, surfaces, and contents in your building may be contaminated with soot, smoke, asbestos, heavy toxic metals, and volitale organic compounds. Testing the air and surfaces before settling your claim is critical to keep everyone safe.
Critical Steps for Better Results
- Initial Assessment: Professional visual inspection to identify damage and contamination.
- Sampling: Collect air and surface samples from multiple locations.
- Laboratory Analysis: Test for soot, asbestos, lead, VOCs, and other hazards.
- Detailed reporting and analysis of all findings to provide evidence.
Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer promptly.
An Adjuster will be assigned to look at your property, coverage, and loss. The assigned adjuster is not the agent you have known for years. They work for the insurance company and often focus on minimizing the total claim. Most insurance companies don’t recommend independent inspection and testing, as their goal is to keep claim costs low and close the claim as quickly as possible. Do not rely only on the adjuster’s opinion.
Alternative “Adjusters”: Public Adjusters
Public adjusters work for you and can help with inspections, testing, realistic settlements, and better claim experience.
Tips For A Positive Outcome
- Be patient. The process will take time.
- Find temporary housing.
- Keep a daily journal and log all communications and expenses.
- Schedule testing and assements.
- Talk to a Public Adjuster.
- Insist that all communication is in writing or recorded.
- Do not remove contents. Items may be toxic and contaminated.
- Use professionals to inventory and value belongings.
- Only re-enter the property with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and after official clearance.
- Set up security cameras and ensure the property is secure.
- Understand your rights, stay informed, and make decisions based on the science and risks.
Conclusion
- Understand your rights.
- Stay informed.
- Keep all receipts and good records.
- Make decisions based on sound, independent inspection and scientific evidence.
- An advocate can help you achieve a healthier and more positive outcome.
Our Mission
We are committed to providing our clients with accurate, professional guidance to maintain healthy environments, maintain the value of their property, and protect those they love.