When a fire happens in your home, it can be devastating. You will want to start the cleanup process and get back to normal as soon as possible. Unfortunately, there are so many ways you could end up doing more harm than good if you aren’t careful. These are some helpful tips when you start the process of a fire restoration project on your home.
Do Not Start Cleaning
When you walk in and see the damage the fire has caused to your home, your first instinct will be to pick up something to start cleaning. Do not do this! You don’t want to disturb anything before your insurance adjuster has a chance to assess the damage. Another reason is that anything that has been exposed to soot can react to the oils in your hands. If you touch something with soot on it, you could actually cause the soot to embed itself further. It’s best to wait for a professional fire restoration team to help you.
However, you can start the process of documentation. Take as many pictures as you can and contact your insurance company immediately. After that, you’ll want to call a fire restoration company to start the cleanup process. Dryman Construction can work with your insurance company, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Do Not Use Electronics
The heat and smoke from the fire could cause serious risk to your electronics, even if your devices weren’t exposed to the fire or heat itself. The smoke can get into your devices and cause damage to the electrical circuits, making it dangerous to turn them on. Don’t try to use them until they have been cleaned and checked by a professional.
Do Not Wear Smoke- or Soot-Stained Clothes
Any fabric or upholstery will absorb the smoke and soot. The toxins from burning drywall and other sources can cause the smoke to become toxic. Washing it with regular detergent won’t get it out and could make you sick, even after you have washed it. All fabrics and upholstery will need to be treated and cleaned before they are safe to use again. This would include any furniture, curtains, or carpet, even if they weren’t harmed by the fire and soot itself.
Fire restoration is not something to take on lightly. It can be overwhelming and requires skills and tools that the average homeowner does not have. At Dryman Construction, we know that a fire restoration project is much more than fire restoration. There will be water damage to take care of from putting the fire out. There will be structural damage and specialized cleanup necessary. Our team specializes in taking care of all aspects of fire damage, so we know what to look for and how to handle it. We’ll work with you and your insurance every step of the way. We also offer free estimates and will work out a plan to fit your budget. Check out how Dryman Construction can help get your home back to the way it was before the fire.