After a fire, it may appear as though the worst is over. The fire department has successfully diminished the fire, and you are ready to begin recovering your home from the damage. What many people don’t realize is that the aftermath of the fire, the smoke damage, is just as dangerous and damaging as the fire itself. It is crucial to be aware of the elements of smoke damage and how to handle the aftermath of a fire properly.
What should I do first?
After the fire department has successfully put out all elements of the fire, it is vital that you contact your local restoration company immediately. The longer you wait, the more damage will be caused, costing you more time and money in the future. In fact, within the first minutes of a diminished fire, soot begins to settle on all of your belongings.
Soot is a flaky and powdery black substance that is mainly carbon, and it is very difficult to clean up. Soot begins to leave stains on all walls, flooring, and other surfaces. Some surfaces may be salvageable, but do not wait too long to contact Mr. Restore because the discoloration of your belongings may be permanent. Some people have reported that the odor caused by smoke and soot is unbearable; you do not want an unpleasant smell to soak into your clothes and furniture. The longer you wait, the more likely the odor will be permanent.
Something else to keep in mind is that the fire department likely used a great deal of water to put out the fire. Unfortunately, this can also lead to water damage. Mr. Restore is experienced in handling BOTH water and fire damage. Just like smoke damage, the longer you wait to take care of water damage, the more likely damage is to spread.
When can I enter my property after a fire?
DO NOT enter the property until Mr. Restore or the fire department lets you know it is safe. The amount of time it takes before you are allowed to reenter a home depends on the severity and the size of the fire. Smoke that is created from any type of fire consists of very dangerous chemicals, including carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. DO NOT touch any of your possessions or belongings after a fire with bare hands – the oil in our fingers can react with the chemicals in the soot and further damage belongings.
What will I need?
The aftermath of a fire requires professional equipment and technicians to handle your assets properly. You need a restoration company that not only has ample experience with handling smoke damage but has the training and equipment you can trust. When you trust in MrRestore to handle your restoration needs after a fire, they will use the following tools and equipment to save your home, save you time and money.
- Industrial Fans: these large fans are used for a variety of reasons. They help dry any water used to put out the fire as well as remove smoky air from your home
- Industrial Vacuum Cleaners: these high-efficiency machines have a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter that helps keep the soot away from areas that have already been cleaned
- Trained Professionals: Mr. Restore’s technicians are highly trained. They know what to use based on what caused the fire. They understand that different fires require different equipment and protocol. Properly trained technicians understand how to handle your belongings and prevent further damage.
