The destruction a fire creates causes an emotional and physical toll on a person. Their entire life has been turned upside down. If you haven’t experienced this disaster before, then it is difficult to know what to do. Sometimes this lack of knowledge and experience leads property owners to do something that might make the situation worse. Here at Mission Restorations, we want to help you out as much as possible. We have put together some tips to help you know the Do’s and Don’ts of fire & smoke damage restoration.
What to Do After a Fire Occurs:
Do:
- Make sure to secure the property, then contact a fire & smoke damage restoration company to start boarding up roofs, windows, and other damaged areas.
- If you are in need, then contact your church, the Salvation Army, or the Red Cross. They can provide you or your children with emergency shelter, clothing, food, etc.
- Call your insurance agency.
- Open the windows to help air things out, if weather permits.
- Empty out fridges and freezers if the electricity is out.
- If it is winter time and the heat is off, call a plumber to drain and blow out all water lines.
- Keep all receipts for any purchases made. You may need these for insurance reimbursements.
- Inventory all damaged items before throwing them out. This record will go to the insurance company for reimbursement as well.
What NOT To Do After a Fire Occurs:
Do not:
- Enter the establishment unless you have the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.
- Go inside the building until you have met with the Fire Official that is in charge.
- Begin cleaning fire & smoke residue from ceilings, walls, objects, etc. without experienced professionals.
- Use any upholstered furniture or carpet that has heavy smoke residue or debris.
- Eat any food or canned goods that have been exposed to heat.
- Turn on any electrical appliances such as computers or televisions until they have been examined and cleaned.
- Touch anything. The oil from your hands can affect the walls, woodwork, and upholstery and cause further damage.
- Use any electrical switches, outlets, or fixtures.
Different kinds of Smoke
Wet Smoke
- Comes from water used in extinguishing the fire;
- Has a strong smell;
- Is easily smeared;
- Needs wet cleaning.
Dry Smoke
- Produced by a high temperature, fast burning fire;
- Leaves a dry residue that doesn’t smear;
- Requires dry and wet cleaning.
Oily Smoke
- Can come from many different fires like plastic, grease, nicotine build-up, etc.;
- Residue smears easily;
- Is resistant to wet cleaning.
Protein Residue
- Produced by burned eggs or meat;
- Has a strong smell;
- Penetrates all surfaces and is difficult to see;
- Cleaning required depends on the object.
The following procedures can be used to help with restoration in order to remove soot contamination:
- A professional carpet/drapery cleaning system;
- Chem-Sponges;
- Thermo-Fog and/or Hydroxyl for deodorizing;
- A professional HVAC/Duct cleaning system;
- A heavy-duty degreaser mixed with a deodorizing agent and some rags.
How to Pick the Right Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Company
If your home or business becomes subject to fire damage, then the procedure to rebuild and repair can become overwhelming. To ensure that restoration is done effectively and efficiently, then it is important to hire a qualified restoration contractor. Sometimes it is tempting to ask a friend or someone you know to help fix the damages. However, they usually don’t have the specified training and certification required for fire damage restoration. The experienced professionals at Mission Restorations know the ins and outs of the restoration business, such as how to deal with structural damage, charring of wood, and smoke odor. Call the team today at 704-727-2000.
