After the Flames: Why Boarding Up Your Home is Critical After a Fire

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When a fire breaks out, the fire department’s priority is saving lives and stopping the flames. To do that, they often have to break windows, force open doors, or cut through the roof. While those actions are necessary in the moment, they leave your home exposed once the fire trucks leave.

That’s where emergency board-up services come in. Securing the property after a fire isn’t just about safety — it’s about protecting your home from further damage and making sure your insurance claim isn’t jeopardized.

Why Emergency Board-Up is Necessary

After a fire, your home is vulnerable. Gaping windows, broken doors, and damaged roofing allow:

  • Rain and snow to enter, leading to water and mold damage.
  • Thieves or vandals to gain easy access.
  • Animals and pests to make their way inside.

Worse, if someone enters your unsecured property and gets hurt, you could be held liable.

Common Openings After Fire Department Response

Even a small fire can leave a home wide open. It’s common to see:

  • Shattered windows from firefighting efforts.
  • Holes cut in the roof for ventilation.
  • Garage doors forced open or left inoperable.
  • Entry doors broken during rescue operations.

Every one of these openings is an invitation for more damage if left unattended.

The Risks of Leaving a Fire-Damaged Home Unsecured

  • Secondary water damage when rain or snow gets inside.
  • Structural deterioration as moisture weakens materials.
  • Theft of valuables, tools, or copper piping.
  • Legal and insurance issues if the property isn’t properly protected.

Insurance companies expect homeowners to take steps to mitigate further damage. Failing to secure your home can sometimes give them reason to reduce or deny coverage.

What Proper Board-Up Includes

Professional fire damage contractors like MSI move fast to:

  • Secure all windows, doors, and roof openings with plywood and heavy-duty tarps.
  • Install temporary fencing or barriers if necessary.
  • Change or secure locks to restrict access.
  • Provide documentation and photos for your insurance adjuster.

This isn’t a quick DIY project — it requires the right equipment and training to keep both you and the property safe.

Why Call MSI for Emergency Board-Up

Boarding up a fire-damaged home is about more than hammering in plywood. At MSI, we:

  • Respond 24/7 to secure properties the same day.
  • Follow IICRC safety standards for handling fire-damaged structures.
  • Provide the paperwork your insurance company expects.
  • Move seamlessly from board-up to fire and smoke cleanup, so you’re not juggling multiple contractors.

Protect Your Home Immediately

If you’ve just experienced a fire, don’t let your home sit exposed. A fast board-up is the first step toward recovery — and it prevents the situation from getting worse.

MSI is available 24/7 for emergency fire board-up and cleanup services. Call us today at 215-339-1769 to secure your property and start the restoration process.

Beware of Fire Chasers – The Dark Side of Fire Restoration You Need to Know

Posted on by msi-admin

When your home has just gone up in flames, the last thing you need is a high-pressure sales pitch. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what some fire restoration companies are banking on. There’s a growing trend of so-called “fire chasers” — companies or individuals who show up uninvited at fire scenes and aggressively try to sign homeowners on the spot. It’s unethical, predatory, and often leaves families worse off than the fire itself.

What Is Fire Chasing?

Fire chasing refers to the practice of restoration companies (or their hired middlemen) monitoring emergency scanner traffic and rushing to fire scenes to solicit business. In many cases, they’ll knock on your door while smoke is still in the air — pressuring you to sign restoration contracts without giving you time to process the damage or consult your insurance.

These companies may promise:

  • Immediate help with cleanup and reconstruction
  • Kickbacks or “rebates” if you sign quickly
  • Direct handling of your insurance claim
    But what they don’t tell you is just as important.

The Hidden Dangers of Signing Too Soon

Once a fire chasing company has your signature, they often:

  • Take control of your entire insurance claim, sometimes asking you to sign over power of attorney
  • Cut corners on reconstruction and cleaning, maximizing their profits while minimizing your repairs
  • Leave you out of the loop with little transparency on how your insurance money is being spent

Even worse, some companies never perform the work they promised — or subcontract it to the lowest bidder, resulting in shoddy or incomplete restoration.

MSI Does It Differently

At MSI, we do not chase fire trucks. We do not wait outside your home. We do not pressure people into signing anything in a moment of crisis. Any fire damage restoration work we perform comes from direct calls from homeowners or insurance companies — never from third-party brokers or door-knocking salespeople.

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • No Power of Attorney Required: We never ask clients to sign away control of their insurance claim. You stay in charge of your property and your decisions.
  • No Middlemen: We don’t work with outside sales teams, contractors, or anyone trying to sell our services without your knowledge.
  • Direct, Transparent Communication: We work hand-in-hand with your insurance adjuster, documenting damage thoroughly and making sure your property is restored correctly.
  • Certified, Professional Care: As an IICRC-certified firm with decades of experience, we know the science of smoke and soot cleanup — and we treat every home with respect.

Don’t Let a Second Disaster Follow the First

It’s hard enough dealing with the trauma of a fire. Don’t let opportunistic companies add to your stress by taking advantage of your situation. If someone shows up at your door uninvited after a fire — slow down, ask questions, and don’t sign anything until you’ve had time to make an informed decision.

If you or your insurance company is looking for ethical, experienced fire restoration professionals, MSI is here when you need us — no pressure, no gimmicks, no games.

Act Fast After a Fire: Why Immediate Cleanup Matters

Posted on by msi-admin

The danger doesn’t end when the flames are extinguished. In fact, some of the most harmful effects of a fire come after the smoke clears. Soot and smoke residue may not be as dramatic as the fire itself, but they can cause serious and permanent damage if not cleaned up properly and promptly.

At MSI, we can’t stress this enough: Time is everything after a fire.

What Happens If You Wait?

Soot particles are highly acidic. Within hours, they begin to:

  • Discolor walls, ceilings, and countertops
  • Tarnish metal fixtures and appliances
  • Eat into plastics and synthetic materials
  • Etch into glass surfaces, permanently clouding them

Even your HVAC system can become a delivery mechanism, circulating soot into every corner of your home or business.

The Sooner You Act, the More You Can Save

Quick response isn’t just about cleaning faster—it’s about preventing irreversible damage. Acting within the first 24–48 hours can significantly reduce restoration costs and salvage more of your belongings and structural materials.

Professional Fire Cleanup Makes the Difference

A standard cleaning crew isn’t equipped for fire restoration. At MSI, our trained fire damage specialists:

  • Use HEPA filtration and negative air machines to contain contamination
  • Remove toxic residues from surfaces and contents
  • Neutralize odors embedded in porous materials
  • Document damage for insurance and coordinate directly with adjusters

Don’t Let Damage Set In

If you’ve just experienced a fire—no matter how small—call MSI immediately. We are not a franchise in the pocket of the insurance company, nor are we “fire chasers,” who wait outside of burning buildings looking to take advantage of people at their time of desperate need. We are an IICRC Certified Firm and are here to help with 24 hour emergency service as a fire damage restoration team who is on standby. The longer soot and smoke are left to settle, the harder (and more expensive) the cleanup becomes. Fast action protects your health, your home, and your wallet.