Every homeowner should have a fire emergency remediation strategy in case the worst happens. Some locations are susceptible to a higher frequency of house fires because of geographical factors. Sometimes, it’s a consequence of negligence, a faulty electrical framework, a kitchen accident, or something unexpected. Whatever the reason or cause of your house fire, you must approach remediation sensibly. The steps below will help you protect yourself and your family from the hazards of fire or water damage.
Types of house fire damages
House fires can cause primary and secondary damages to your property, which are sometimes extensive. Smoke, natural/urban ash, soot/smoke residue, and water damage are examples of secondary fire loss. These may increase the risk of respiratory illnesses, leave your house inhospitable, cause structural degradation, and promote mold or mildew infestation. You want to mitigate fire damage loss as much as possible and protect your family.
Steps:
- Do not enter your fire-distressed property or start any restoration until you get authorization from your local fire department.
- Exercise caution when rummaging through the remnants of your fire-distressed property and outdoor environments. Sometimes downed power lines or poles, trees, debris, and ash pits may endanger your life. If you suspect anything unstable or hazardous, call your local fire emergency hotline immediately.
- Wear proper protective gear, including a respirator, safety goggles, a hard cap or hat, and boots (steel-toed). The facial masks will protect you from breathing in toxic cancer-causing polycarbonate particles in the home. If anything collapses, such as damaged floors, ceilings, or insulation materials, your protective gear will limit exposure to hazards. Sometimes, it is difficult to judge the stability of hazards after a house fire. If so, you should consult a professional contractor that specializes in emergency damage restoration to ensure your safety.
- Even if you disconnect your utilities, do not attempt to switch on the controllers. You do not know the extent of structural damage to the building and if you have any unstable electrical circuitry or gas leaks. The slightest misstep will only escalate matters; for instance, cause flooding, spark another fire, or worst risk your life and possibly others.
- Get rid of all food items, including medicines, beverages, and so forth. Also, dispose of your toiletries and cosmetics, especially if it has soot, smoke, or flame residue.
- Take some photos before you start cleaning the site as evidence. You should include them to substantiate your insurance claim. Take care to do this before restoring your building from water damage and removing debris and damaged properties.
- Call your home insurance provider immediately after the fire to report the case. If your house fire destroyed or defaced any adjacent premises, you must approach this with urgency.
- Hire an expert remediation contractor for proper handling of fire and water-damaged surfaces. It is an essential step to maintain the highest safety and sanitization standards when restoring your abode. Your contractor will perform comprehensive assessments to identify smoke/soot-contaminated materials and any hazardous elements that may be harmful to your health. What is more, these experts use specialized technologies and cleaning equipment to sanitize your entire home as regulatory requirements dictate.
ATR020723