3 Important Steps to follow after a Home Fire

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Never underestimate the damage level of any fire. Check every area affected.

A house fire can completely interrupt your family’s lives. Whether the fire erupted in a single room or affected several bedrooms, it’s vital to take safety precautions before entering the home. These will yield the best results for fire restoration and ensure no one is injured in the process.

1. Schedule an Inspection

No matter how safe your home may seem, schedule an inspection first. Fire restoration professionals will check that no live electrical components create a shock or other fire risk and will test gas piping for leaks. They’ll also look at structural damage to make sure the home is safe to enter. This crucial step will reduce the potential for injuries and also kickstart the recovery process.

2. Don’t Start Fire Restoration On Your Own

As tempting as it is to begin cleaning up, wait for the professionals. You can open windows, but avoid plugging in box fans or turning ceiling fans on. These may spark electrical problems or worsen the smoke smell and ash cover. Ideally, you shouldn’t use the electricity at all until an electrician has made necessary repairs. The best course of action is to stay offsite until fire damage repair begins.

3. Stay Off Furniture

If you start clearing debris with professionals, stay off of furniture. Most pieces are salvageable if ash and soot don’t sink into the fibers. Sitting on a sofa or bed may press them in and embed a permanent ash smell. Professional fire restoration companies have the proper equipment that deep clean sofas, mattresses, chairs, and other furniture that is lined with fabric. 

If you need fire restoration services in the St. Augustine, FL, area, SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach will work hard to fulfill your needs. They know how life-changing damage to a home is and are committed to helping families recover. From biohazard cleanup and water extraction to emergency cleaning services, they’ll take every measure to make your home livable again. Call (904) 429-4457 to speak with a representative and visit their website to explore their full scope of services