Has your home been affected by a fire? Your first and most important step to recovery after the fire should be to care for yourself and your loved ones. Be aware of how you and other occupants of the house are experiencing and handling stress. The next steps are just as important to recovering after a fire. You need to check your home and take appropriate steps to return your home to a safe condition. There will be smoke odours and embers throughout the home. Any items and furniture exposed to heat, smoke or soot pose a health risk. Returning home after a fire can be a difficult task. The site may be a danger zone and unsafe for everyday living, unless smoke and fire damage restoration is done. Here are a few steps to help you get started with smoke and fire damage cleanup.
Wait for advice and instructions on when it is safe to enter your home post the fire incident.
You should venture into your home to check for damage only after the local fire authorities or building inspectors have cleared it.
Do not cross the coloured tape that is placed over doors or windows. These are marked as damaged areas. Enter only after it’s advised that it is safe to do so.
After a fire, turn off your electrical, plumbing and heating systems.
As soon as possible after the fire, turn off the electricity. Use a dry wooden stick to try to reach and turn off the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Be careful not to step or stand in any pool of water on the floor to do that. Call a qualified electrician for assistance if the area is not accessible.
Children and pets should not be present while you conduct your first inspection.
Smoke odours and fire-damaged environment are unsafe for children. It may upset them to see the damage first hand, causing long-term effects and even nightmares. Pets should also be kept away from the site. Leaving children and pets with a relative or friend while the smoke and fire damage inspection and restoration is going on, is a good idea.
Check the structure for any smoke and fire damage.
Perform a check of the external structure of the house before you enter. Keep an eye out for missing support beams, anything that looks broken or loose, such as power lines, gas lines, foundation cracks, or any other damage. These external damages often indicate a serious problem inside.
Doors, windows and locks can be badly damaged by fire.
Don’t force open doors and windows. They could be providing support for some part of your home. Take apart damaged locks and wipe them with oil. If they cannot be removed, you can use machine oil in the keyhole or bolt opening. Working the knob will distribute the oil and help it to work better. Thoroughly clean and oil the hinges too.
Discard items that are damaged by smoke and fire.
Though it may be a difficult task, go through most of your belongings at the site. Household items and clothing that cannot be salvaged by repair or washing should be discarded. Non-perishable foods, burnt clothing and medication are items that you should throw out immediately.
Hire professionals when smoke odour and fire damage is too severe.
When you require assistance with fire and smoke damage cleanup your best bet is to contact experts in the field.
Smoke damage is not always permanent. Most of the time, cleaning specialists can clear it depending on the extent of the soot and whether the surfaces are porous or nonporous.
Fire-damaged walls and hard floors need industry-approved cleaning solutions to get rid of soot and smoke damage. Specialised tools and equipment are used to speed up the drying process.
Fire damage restoration companies also take appropriate measures to prevent mould and mildew.
All cleaning crews involved in the inspection and smoke odour removal and fire damage restoration processes must wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Also Read: Some Fire Safety Measures at Home
Biosite Cleanup for smoke odour removal and fire damage restoration.
Need help picking up the pieces after a fire?
Biosite Cleanup is a reputed and certified restoration company that provides quality smoke odour removal and fire damage repairs for residential and commercial properties. We have experienced cleaning teams that can handle any level of smoke and fire damage restoration.
Our areas of operation are Goulburn, Canberra, Batemans Bay and surrounding areas of NSW. To learn more about how we can help with your smoke and fire damage cleanup, reach us on 0409037634 or email us at bryan@biositecleanup.com.au.
We work hard to make your home feel safe again!