Fire is one of the greatest fears of homeowners. The damage left in the
wake of a fire can leave an emotional scar long after the home is
cleaned and the property restored. Once a fire emergency has passed,
call on a reputable restoration company to assist you with the safety
and aesthetic aspects involved in the clean up of a fire.
While it may be tempting to jump in and begin clean up procedures
following a fire, there are a lot of things to remember. Most fires are
not small and people realize they can’t do it. People should give the
authorities a chance to see if it’s arson, and insurance company will
want to know if the situation was an accident. It is important to allow
the authorities to do a thorough inspection of the property. Not only
will your homeowner’s insurance company require a report, it will give
you piece of mind to understand the cause of the fire. Once the premises
have been inspected, you will want to contact a professional cleaning
and restoration service. Even if it seems possible for you to handle the
clean up, there may be hidden dangers only a professional can
recognize.
Following a fire, do not wipe or attempt to remove residue from the
walls or absorbent surfaces. Do not use any food that was exposed to the
fire or smoke. Avoid walking on carpeting and do not use upholstered
furniture that was impacted by heavy smoke. Finally, do not turn on any
appliances, computers, or other electronic equipment until they have
been cleaned and checked for safety.
Effects of Smoke
It is important to realize a fire can create smoke damage that may not
be seen by the untrained eye. Smoke can get into the duct system,
jeopardizing the air quality throughout the entire home. It may also
have seeped into the plumbing system or into the other areas of the
home, like the attic or crawl space. Smoke also comes in a variety of
types, creating different types of damage and risk.
A trained professional can test the smoke type and determine how much
risk is associated with it. Once he has identified the smoke type, he
can create a treatment plan that will best combat the effects of the
damage. He will understand what has the potential to be restored, what
will need to be replaced, and what cleaning method will be most
effective. Eliminating the odor of smoke damage is one of your main
concerns, but keep in mind, it may not be the only issue.
Extent of Damage
While a homeowner may have the ability to surface clean a smoke and fire
damaged home, there may be a number of issues associated with the
damage they are not able to see. Aside from smoke damage, there may be
structural issues. In order to feel confident your home is structurally
sound following a fire, you need to have a thorough inspection performed
by professionals. There is no reason to invite additional problems
following a fire. Many companies will provide you with the services of
professionals who can assess the safety of your home and recommend
needed repairs during the restoration process.
What You Can Do
You, no doubt, will feel helpless following the tragedy of a fire.
Following the inspection by authorities, a few things can be done to
ease your anxiety while awaiting professional recommendations. Wipe the
chrome on faucets and fixtures by washing them down with detergent, and
protect them by applying a coat of petroleum jelly. Blow off or vacuum
loose smoke particles from upholstery, carpeting, and draperies. Create
as much ventilation as possible by opening windows. If electricity and
heat have been shut off during the winter, pour antifreeze into toilet
bowls, tanks, sinks, and tub drains in order to prevent freezing. You
will ultimately want to contact a plumber to blow out the water lines
until everything is repaired. Take some clothing to the dry cleaners so
you will have an idea of what can be cleaned successfully and what will
need to be replaced.
Following a fire, you will face a variety of issues. While the emotional
trauma of a fire can not be alleviated, a professional emergency
company will work to ease the burden of clean up and restoration. It may
be impossible to save all of your belongings, but you will have peace
of mind knowing professional services have been provided, allowing you
to return to a safe, clean home.
Cleaning Up After Smoke Damage
