Recovering from Fire and Water Damage

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire can be incredibly devastating.

A home fire can be incredibly devastating. Even the fire is controlled early, the resulting damage can be extensive. Fire damage may be the result of actual flames, smoke, heat, or water. Firefighters use a lot of water to douse the flames. A fire hose puts out a powerful stream of water that can cause warping, structural damage, and mold growth. Water can even cause permanent damage to many material possessions. Soot and ashes can also set into furniture, drywall, and clothing if not handled carefully.

What To Do Immediately After a Fire

There are some things you can do on your own:

• Get clearance to enter your home
  
• Change the filter in your air conditioner
  
• Cover furniture to protect from further damage
  
• Document damage to send to your insurance company
  
• Get rid of any canned goods or food exposed to heat or smoke
  
• Wash all your pots, pans and flatware in hot, soapy water.
  
  

Other steps require a professional to be done correctly. For instance, don’t try to handle soot damage on your own. Soot is very hard to handle and should be left to a professional.

When To Bring in the Professionals

There are very specific methods and materials for properly handling fire damage. If you try to take care of the damage before getting a fire restoration professional involved, you risk complicating the process. Technicians are able to survey your home and identify all the damaged areas. Ventilation systems, drywall and furniture may be more damaged than you realize. Professionals have special equipment and chemicals to remove smoke, soot and muck.

They are also prepared to deal with water damage. It is imperative that water is removed immediately and the area affected dried out. If moisture is not managed appropriately, it can lead to mold growth.

If you are dealing with fire damage, take precautionary steps immediately upon reentry, but leave the heavy cleaning up to the professionals in Hamptons At Boca Raton, FL.