What You Need to Know About Emergency Pack-Out Services

If your home was damaged due to a fire or you're facing issues following a flood, an emergency pack-out service could help. Emergency pack-out companies can come to your home, assess the damage, and help restore any salvageable items. From process to cost, find out everything you need to know about this service so you can get the help you need in an emergency.

What Is an Emergency Pack-Out?

Emergency pack-out companies perform flood and fire damage restoration services for items in a home or business. When you call an emergency pack-out service, the company will send representatives to your home to inspect the damage and assess which items they can restore. Most of these companies will help you restore virtually any salvageable item, big or small.

They'll then document the damage of each item to help you estimate losses and file an insurance claim. After documenting the damage, the company packs up the items they can restore and ships or drives them back to the company site for restoration. If transporting any items could cause further damage, the company will restore them on-site at your home or business. 

In many cases, these companies also help remove soot and smoke from your home's structural elements, like the walls and floors. The cost of fire damage restoration services, such as these, is often covered by insurance, so emergency pack-out services can help you recover after a disaster without incurring high out-of-pocket costs.

What Happens During an Emergency Pack-Out Inspection?

When you call an emergency pack-out company, they'll send someone out to inspect the damage. Since these companies specialize in emergencies, many can send someone out within several hours of receiving your phone call. 

Take Inventory of the Damage 

When the inspector arrives, they'll take a close look at the damage, inspect each item, and document the damage in a report. You can use this info to estimate your losses and file a claim with your insurance company. 

Pack Items With Restoration Potential 

After assessing the damage, the company will note which items they believe can be restored and which can't be salvaged. They'll then pack all of the items with restoration potential, aside from items that might incur more damage with travel.

Store Unsalvageable Items

Many companies will help you store the items they cannot salvage in a climate-controlled storage facility. These items can often remain there for insurance inspections, which may help you recoup some of your losses. 

Transport Items to Restoration Facility

After carefully inspecting and packing each salvageable item, the company will transport it to a facility for restoration. Depending on where you live, the company will either ship or drive your items to their restoration facility, at which time they'll work on the restoration process. 

What Happens During an Emergency Pack-Out Restoration?

The restoration process will begin once your items are packed and transported to a facility. The specific process varies depending on the item, but it generally involves carefully cleaning and deodorizing your items, as well as performing any other steps required to restore the item to its original appearance. 

The restoration process is closely monitored and documented by professionals who will update you whenever issues arise. Once the restoration is complete, you'll receive a call from the company to arrange delivery back to your home. 

Structural Cleaning

Some emergency pack-out companies also perform structural cleanings or work with structural cleaning companies. In addition to packing up and restoring individual items, these companies will help restore the appearance of your home's structural elements, such as walls and floors damaged by fire. This process involves using special cleaning agents to remove soot and smoke and deodorize. 

Receiving Items After the Restoration

After your items are restored, the company will arrange to deliver them back to you. When the delivery arrives, most companies will walk you through exactly what happened during the restoration. They'll also help you compare inventory and damage to ensure you receive all of your items back and that they’ve restored each item to the best of their ability. 

How Much Does an Emergency Pack-Out Cost?

Emergency pack-out services can range anywhere from $800 to $10,000 or more, depending on how many items you need to be restored and the extent of their damage. However, emergency pack-out services are typically covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, so many companies will work closely with your insurance provider and bill them directly. 

For more specific cost information, you can call a local fire and water damage company for an estimate.