Emergency Board-Up in Annapolis, MD

Emergency board-up in Annapolis is the first job on almost every fire. To fight a fire safely, firefighters break windows and cut ventilation holes in the roof to let heat and smoke out, and they may force doors open to get in. When they leave, your home is open to rain, wind off the Bay, animals and anyone passing by. Our 24/7 line connects you with independent restoration crews that secure the property the same night, so no further damage happens while you sort out the rest.

What an emergency board-up crew does

1. Walk-around. The crew checks every opening, the roof and the condition of the structure from outside and in.
2. Board windows and doors. Heavy plywood is cut to fit and fastened over broken glass and damaged doors, with one secure, lockable entry left for access.
3. Tarp the roof. Ventilation holes and burned sections are covered with heavy tarps, battened down to survive wind and rain.
4. Secure the site. Debris that's a hazard to passers-by is moved, and temporary fencing is put up if needed.
5. Document. Before-and-after photos for your insurance claim.

Why you can't wait until morning

• Rain and humidity — water coming through a roof opening adds to the firefighting water already inside and accelerates mold.
• Security — an empty, open house after a fire is a target for theft and squatters.
• Insurance — most homeowners policies require you to take reasonable steps to prevent further damage. Damage that happens because the home wasn't secured may not be covered.
• Wildlife — raccoons, birds and squirrels move into open homes quickly in wooded parts of Anne Arundel County.

After the board-up

Board-up is temporary. Once the home is secure, the same provider can usually start water extraction and drying, smoke damage restoration and soot cleanup, and later the full fire damage repair. Read our main guide to fire damage restoration in Annapolis for the complete process.

Board-up questions