Fire Remediation04 Nov
The first 24 hours after a fire is the ideal time to repair your property and belongings. Due to the fact that the smoke and ash left behind after a house fire are hazardous to your health, the actions you take in the hours following the event are crucial. Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in fires, followed by soot inhalation that can have a serious impact on your health.
After the fire is put out, your first priority is to get a qualified fire damage restoration specialist to assess the damage and take effective action as soon as possible. Here are some tips to follow to ensure that you remain safe during fire remediation:
1. Don’t enter a building after a fire until you have permission from the Fire Marshal.
2. Wear a mask when entering the building to protect yourself from lingering fumes.
3. Relocate children and pets to a safe place until remediation is complete.
4. If the weather is good, open the windows for ventilation.
5. Stay away from carpeting and furniture.
6. Take photos or videos of the damage.
7. Repair broken windows, doors, and roofs to prevent vandalism, or damage due to inclement weather.
8. Dispose of any food that was left in the house during the fire. Empty the refrigerator and freezer, and leave them open to allow ventilation. Have an expert inspect dishwashers and utensils to verify that they are safe to use.
9. Prepare a list of all damaged items to prepare for an insurance claim.
10. Do not use any electronic products including computers or televisions, as electrical short circuits may lead to electric shock.
11. For insurance reimbursement, be sure to send receipts for any necessary, reimbursable, temporary repairs to the insurance company. Wait for the insurance adjuster to verify the damage before making permanent replacements or repairs.
12. Invest in a dehumidifier.
13. Installing an air scrubber to eliminate remnants of smoke and dust.