Fire is destructive, and even a small fire within your home can cause extensive damage. Fire and smoke restoration is an involved process. It usually involves rebuilding the areas damaged by the fire. Deep cleaning and air scrubbing to get rid of the soot and smoke damage. You can do things to minimize further damage and ensure your safety when you can go back into your home.
Fire and Smoke Restoration Can Be Hazardous
You never want to enter the building until it’s been declared safe to do so by the fire department. Once it has been declared safe to enter, there are a few precautions you should take for your safety. Smoke and soot can be hazardous to breathe in. When you enter your home to inspect the damage, you should wear a protective mask.
Fire and smoke restorations are so difficult because soot can react with the oils in your hands. The tiny soot particles penetrate deeper into a surface when it is touched. By attempting to wipe away a bit of soot, you could make the damage worse. It’s important not to touch anything. Take pictures and video for your insurance, but don’t attempt to move or clean anything until everything is documented.
Fire Damage Brings Water Damage Restoration
When firefighters have put the fire out, they do not take the water they used with them. So, in addition to fire and smoke damage, you are most likely going to have to deal with some form of water damage. Any standing water can cause structural damage as well as breed mold and mildew. At Extreme Carpet Care, we are experts in cleaning up water damage and handling fire and smoke restoration.
Do Not Use Any Electronics
Smoke and soot can get into electrical devices and cause a dangerous short. This could result in an electric shock or cause a spark which could cause another fire. Sometimes the electronics in question are salvageable. You will need to have a fire damage expert properly clean the electronic components to make them safe again. Please do not attempt to turn on any electronics until they’ve been inspected.
Board Up Open Areas
When your home has suffered from a fire, it is a good idea to open windows and doors to start the ventilation process. However, broken windows or open areas in your roof will need boarding up to prevent vandalism and weather damage.
At Extreme Carpet Care, we have seen how devastating fire can be. Our experts know how to handle the difficult task of cleaning up the soot and smoke safely. We can work with your insurance and help with the documentation process. That way, you don’t have to risk your health and safety to take pictures. Our team is available 24/7 and will arrive on-site as quickly as possible. We know how important it is to get started on the cleanup and restoration process quickly. Let us take care of your home so you can get back to living in it. Give us a call today!
