A detailed description, including date and cost of purchase, is likely to hasten settlement. Dave Osborn of Point Reyes Station, an associate with the restoration company Paul Davis Systems, urged residents to be on the lookout for scam artists that tend to flock to disasters. Some Oakland Hills homeowners who used such a service had to wait two years for a settlement, which was likely no larger than the one they would have got anyway, he said. The main thing is to call your insurance agent right away. Osborn, whose company has set up to offer advice in front of Joe's Diner in Point Reyes Station, noted that any objects exposed to smoke or water damage should be thoroughly cleaned as soon as possible.
Metal objects too.
Window frames, hinges, file cabinets, silverware, etc., should all be wiped down, he explained. Smoke can react with the metal to form an acid, which in time will eat away at the item.