If your home or business has been affected by fire damage, it is essential to take action immediately.
The moments after a fire can be overwhelming and stressful. But quickly taking action can prevent further damage to your property. Depending on the severity of the fire, there could be significant damage to the interior and exterior of your structure and personal belongings.
The damage fires can cause to your home doesn’t stop after the flames stop burning. Here’s what you can do to prevent further damage to your property.
Things You Can Do to Prevent Further Fire Damage
Before you take action, it is essential to:
- Enter the property only if it has been deemed safe by authorities.
- You’ve contacted your insurance company and completed anything they may need, such as taking photos or having an inspector come out.
- Take necessary safety precautions, like wearing appropriate safety gear.
- Contact a trusted restoration company that can help you get back into your home as soon as possible.
After that, here are some things you can do to prevent further damage from the fire:
- Keep your hands clean by washing them frequently so you do not further soil walls, upholstery, and woodwork.
- Limit movement within your property to prevent soot particles from further embedding into your carpets and upholstered items.
- Wipe down houseplants on all surfaces of leaves and vines.
- Place clean, unaffected towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet in high traffic areas.
- If your electricity is off, empty your fridge and freezer, and open the doors to let them air out.
- Wipe smoke residue from porcelain fixtures to prevent etching.
- Discard open or unopened food packages or beverages since they could be ruined.
- Apply a double layer of cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers.
- Swap out HVAC and furnace filters.
- Send affected clothing to a knowledgeable and qualified professional dry cleaner specializing in smoke damage.
- If it is warmer than 60° outside, open your doors and windows to air out the space.
Things to Avoid Doing That Could Further Fire Damage
- Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered items or clean any walls or painted surfaces without contacting a professional restoration company.
- Do not try to wash your electrical appliances that may have been near the fire, smoke, heat, or water unless you’ve already consulted a trusted repair service.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if your ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged and could spark.
- Do not wait to call the professionals for help.
Fire Damage? Let the Pros at Restoremasters Help!
If your business or home along the Wasatch Front has been affected by fire damage, contact the experts at Restoremasters. Our professional team is available to help you when you need it most; we’re even available 24/7 for emergencies! With over 100 years of combined experience, our skilled technicians are dedicated to repairing and restoring your property and getting you back in there as soon as possible. We proudly service Salt Lake City, West Jordan, Bountiful, Lehi, and more. Contact us today to learn more.
