4 Steps to Stop Looters After a Fire

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Boarded up windows and other entrances are the primary defense against looters

Follow These Tips To Deter Any Looters Immediately

Has your building in Oklahoma City, OK, been damaged by a fire? Fire damage is devastating, and, among all the other overwhelming aspects of a fire is the possibility of looters. If your city is prone to looting, it may be a good idea to prepare your building and seek prompt repairs so your possessions can be safe.

1. Remove Valuables
If it is safe to enter the building, be sure to remove as many valuable possessions as you can. Important items to take with you include official documents or papers, jewelry or jewels, operational electronics and cash or credit cards.

2. Board Windows, Doors, and Holes
Boarded up windows and other entrances are the primary defense against looters. After all, deterring crime is the best way to stop crimes from occurring. Most people aren't going to waste time and make excessive amounts of noise hacking through the plywood to enter a burned building. When covering holes, be sure to use at least an inch thick sheets, and nail an inch apart along every side of the board. Firefighters also may have knocked holes in your windows or roof to allow smoke to escape. Be sure to check everywhere and use proper judgment on which areas should be boarded up.

3. Contact a Professional
If you haven't already, it essential that you contact a professional service to start the process of fire cleanup in your building. It's best to contact a service with fire damage experience that will arrive promptly and work with efficiency so that your building can be made secure as soon as possible.

4. Notify the Police
Inform your local police force of your situation and circumstances. Ideally, they can have officers check the area periodically. Additionally, if a theft would occur, the officers would already be informed and up-to-date on the situation.
It's best to follow these tips as soon as you can, as to deter any looters immediately. Criminals will take even the smallest window of opportunity given, and fire damage is enough of a hassle on its own.