California is a hot spot, both literally and figuratively, when it comes to fires. During the mid and late summer months, valleys and fields can become incredibly dry and susceptible to catching fire, and the long-term drought we’ve been in has not helped. These fires can be devastating to homes and communities, and it can be difficult to repair and rebuild after a fire. However, certain steps can be taken to make the process of cleaning and restoring easier after a fire.
WHAT TO DO AFTER A FIRE
Turn Off All Utilities
It is important to remember to turn off gas, water, electricity, and all other utilities in the home until a professional can deem they are safe to use.
Check Your Appliances
Once your utilities are off, you will want to empty and clean appliances such as refrigerators. This will prevent mold from growing while the appliance is not being used. If you live somewhere where temperatures get below freezing, you will want to drain your water heater to help prevent fluids from freezing and pipe ruptures.
Use a Vacuum
Soot can be a result of smoke damage, and it can easily get into your carpets, floors, and furniture. Using a vacuum with a brush attachment can help release and remove surface-level soot from upholstery. It is always recommended to seek professional restoration help, but in the meantime this will help to start removing soot layers. It is also recommended to cover furniture with sheets to help prevent soot from rubbing deeper into the upholstery. This same practice should be taken with carpets and floors as well, even hardwood floors.
Take Care of Your Pets
A home that is recovering from fire damage can be harmful to pets. Lingering smoke and soot can be toxic to both humans and animals. Pets should be removed from the premises until the home can be treated through proper restoration services.
Call a Professional
In the event of fire damage within your home, it is imperative that you call a local fire restoration service provider to come analyze the damage and help with remediation services.
WHAT NOT TO DO AFTER A FIRE
DO NOT USE GAS OR ELECTRONICS
It is advised that you don’t use any appliances that require gas or electricity until given consent by a professional to do so. Not only is it possible that they could have been damaged in the fire, but using them any further can create the potential to cause more damage.
Wait to Clean Your Walls and Clothes
This might sound unorthodox, but it is advised that you wait to begin cleaning things on your own until they have been examined by a professional. Some things might be beyond the point of cleaning, and might need replacement. In the case of clothing, washing clothes that cannot be salvaged might damage other clothes.
This is also the case with fire extinguishers. If a fire extinguisher was used, don’t attempt to clean the white powder residue yourself. Wait for a professional to come clean it, or until being given approval that it is safe to clean yourself.
Throw Out All Leftover Food
After the event of a fire, you will want to throw out all food that has been exposed to the smoke, heat, and soot. These foods and good will likely no longer be safe for consumption due to contaminates in the environment that were created by the fire.
When all is said and done, the most important thing you can do after a fire is…
CALL A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SERVICE.
Not everyone deals with fires on a regular basis. For this reason is it important to leave the cleaning component to the professionals. Calling a local cleaning and restorations services company will help ensure that your home is repaired correctly and back to its former glory, and well as ensure the integrity and health of your home’s environment. Here at Clean Earth Restorations, we provide the tools and the know-how to ensure that your families home is restored and back to normal in no time following the event of a fire. For more information on fire restoration services, or any other type of cleaning/restoration service, give us a call at 888-471-6653, or visit our website at cleanearthrestorations.com.
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