A house fire brings more than just physical destruction; it also leaves trauma in its wake that can be terrifying and devastating. Taking one wrong step following a house fire can ultimately lead to increased costs in the long run.
For this reason, we are here to share the do’s and dont’s of fire damage restoration, so you can immediately get on the right path to minimize your losses.
What You Should Do…
Here are the steps you should take following a fire in the home:
Ensure the Health and Safety of the Occupants
Instead of trying to calculate what you have lost in the house fire, start by ensuring the safety and health of everyone who was home at the time. Seek immediate medical attention for any injuries or smoke inhalation.
Ensure Proper Ventilation
After everyone is moved to safety, it is time to start thinking about ventilation. If it is safe to do so, open all the windows and doors of the home, so any fumes have a way to exit the building.
Begin Removing Items From the Home
You will then need to begin removing items from the home to avoid further smoke damage. This is your chance to save anything that might not have been ruined.
Contact Insurance Company
Next, contact your insurance company. They will send someone to assess the losses incurred due to the fire. This is the first step toward receiving fair compensation after the fire.
Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company
This is one of the more important steps following a house fire. A fire damage restoration company provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
In addition to a thorough approach to damage repair, a reputable fire damage restoration company also performs other services, including deodorization, soot removal, and floor and furniture cleaning.
What Not to Do…
Now that you know the steps to take following a residential fire, it is time to look at what you should avoid doing
Don’t Touch the Electronics
Your first move might be to save as many of your electronics as possible after a house fire. However, you don’t want to turn them on to test them until they have been inspected because there may be damage you can’t see, like a circuit malfunction.
Don’t Use Food Items Exposed to Fire
Avoid using any food items or canned foods exposed to heat or fire. High heat can cause these items to harbor bacteria that can harm your health. There is also the risk of contamination due to the smoke.
Don’t Wipe Away Residue
Finally, don’t wipe away any residue from the walls or ceilings. Additionally, do not attempt to clean your carpet, furniture, or other items because more damage can be caused if you are not using the appropriate cleaning techniques for smoke and fire damage.
Now that you know what to do and not to do, the process following a house fire should be easier to handle. Take the necessary steps to mitigate further damage and receive fair compensation for your losses.
Need help getting your property back the way it was before the fire? Contact Brightsiderestoration.com today!