What Are The Do's and Don'ts When Handling Fire and Smoke Damage?

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire is a devastating experience for both home and business owners; it is difficult to overcome and repair and can be risky for you to handle when unsure how to handle the damage left behind. There are simple things you can do on your own, however.

• Cleaning smoke and fire damage involves some health and safety precautions, so before getting started, call the fire marshal to know whether it is safe to enter your home.
• Be sure to open doors and windows whenever possible to allow air to circulate when performing a fire and smoke cleaning project. Toxic fumes and chemical compounds from burnt objects can be very harmful. Wear proper gear and clothing, including gloves and masks. 
• You can get some more tips on what you can do to recover from fire and smoke damage HERE

Do's For Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration

Your checklist for what to do after the fire should contain specific non-negotiable tasks, including:

• DO contact a certified restoration specialist: Make sure you immediately schedule an accredited fire and smoke restoration professional for remediation services.
• DO turn off utilities: Turn off water, electricity, gas, and any other utilities until a professional can evaluate whether these were affected.
• DO vacuum: You can enhance the professional's chances of success by doing the first pass on your own. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment and go over your upholstered furniture. 
• DO address your carpets, floors, and countertops: Vacuum carpets to help prevent soot from grinding deeper into the textile. Countertops and hardwood floors should be wiped clean to prevent the soot from staining and clinging to the surfaces.
• DO check your appliances: Your utilities should be off. Be sure to empty your freezer and refrigerator and leave the doors open to prevent mold and mildew. Likewise, winterize your plumbing and drain your hot-water heater and boiler. During the fire damage restoration process, fluids can freeze and cause burst pipes and other damage in the absence of heat.
• DO take care of pets: Remove pets from your fire-damaged home. Lingering soot and smoke can be harmful to them.

Don'ts For Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration 

Your checklist should also include several things to avoid at all times, as well, including:

• DON'T use your AC, heater, or electronics: Wait until a professional arrives on the scene — same with electronics like the television, computers, and DVD players. Turning on electronics can create more significant damage.
• DON'T clean walls or clothing: Do not clean walls, ceilings, or similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice.
• DON'T eat leftover food: Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. Due to smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment, food left behind is probably not safe to consume. 
• DON'T wipe away powder from extinguishers: Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas.

When in doubt, wait for the professionals. Upholstery, carpets, and counters are fine to begin cleaning yourself, but let your professional fire restoration company manage the rest. Remember, never re-enter a home until cleared by the fire department or other local officials.

Whenever you experience a disaster of any kind, SERVPRO of Hermitage/Donelson is here to help!. In addition to fire damage and smoke damage, we also handle mold remediation, odor removal, and more.

We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too. 

This franchise is independently owned and operated.