When a fire ravages your home or business, it’s important to take quick action to minimize the damage. Not only will this make the restoration process easier and quicker, but it can also help prevent further damage from smoke and water. Here are some tips on how to quickly reduce fire damage before professional fire restoration experts arrive.
Immediately after the fire is extinguished, open all the doors and windows to air out the house
After a house fire has been extinguished and the area is deemed safe, it is important to open all of the doors and windows throughout the entire house. Doing so will not only provide an adequate amount of fresh air for any affected persons, but also allow air to flow freely within the structure, clearing out some remaining smoke or other hazardous particles that may have been released from burning items. Moreover, this will help dissipate water vapor created either from natural humidity in the room or from extinguishing efforts by firefighters. Taking these measures immediately after a fire can help significantly limit further damage to one’s property and improve overall safety for all involved.
If any walls or ceilings are damaged, cover them with plastic sheeting to prevent further damage
If you notice any damaged walls or ceilings in your home, it’s important to take action quickly. Covering them with plastic sheeting is an easy and cost-effective way to help prevent further damage. Aside from protecting the affected area from rain and wind, plastic sheeting also prevents dust, debris and pests from entering the space. Additionally, this covering will keep paint droplets from spreading during repairs and help ensure that furniture and belongings don’t get damaged in the process. Investing a bit of time and effort upfront can save you a lot of headaches (and money) down the road.
Throw away any food that may have been exposed to smoke or heat from the fire
During a house fire, some of the food stored in our home may have been exposed to smoke or heat which can cause food to become hazardous. It’s important to be vigilant and remain aware of the food stored in our home and throw away any that may have been exposed to smoke or high temperatures. This will help ensure that the food we serve is safe for our family and friends and that no one becomes sick. Taking precautions like this not only helps us stay safe, but it’s also an important step in helping us stay mindful and take care of ourselves after a fire has occurred.
Take pictures of the damage for your insurance claim before you start cleaning up
When filing an insurance claim for property damage, it’s important to document the condition of your property prior to cleaning. Taking pictures to provide evidence is a key step in that process. Even if you don’t think your claim will be contested, taking pictures of any damaged items or areas insured by your policy can help support your case in obtaining full compensation from the insurer. As soon as it’s safe to do so, make sure to take time stamped digital images or video clips of the damages and keep copies on file. In addition to providing proof of damage, early documentation may also be useful in helping you reflect upon the state of things before repairs begin.
Fires can be exceptionally tricky and expensive events to go through but being prepared and taking proactive safety measures will help you sail through this trying situation as smoothly as possible.
