Fire damage is due to several reasons, including electrical wiring issues, improperly-stored flammable materials, and arson. Electrical fires are the leading cause of fire deaths in the home. However, most small household fires occur from cooking. Oil can ignite when it gets too hot, boilers can explode and start a fire, and electrical appliances such as irons and heating elements burn out.
How can you protect your home from fire damage?
Did you know that 80% of home fires start in the Kitchen or Garage? You can protect your home from fire damage by installing smoke detectors and CO detectors and having annual maintenance performed by a qualified professional.
Is there a way to prevent future fire damage?
There are many ways to prevent future fire damage. Ensure you’ve got a smoke detector on each level of your house, including the basement and attic. If it makes a lot of noise when it goes off, it’s probably too far away from you, so be sure to change it. Also, ensure all your smoke detectors are new and have their batteries tested regularly. The best way to prevent future fire damage is to have a plan in place if you ever have an emergency. Talk with your family members about what they should do if there is a fire in your home.
How long does it take to clean up fire damage?
Cleaning up fire damage takes time and involves a lot of work. It can take anywhere from 6-12 weeks, depending on the type of damage. Restoration companies use special tools to test the air quality in the home before repairs begin, which allows them to determine how much work will be needed to make it safe for the homeowner to return. After that, specialized workers come in with tools such as Foggers to clean up smoke and soot damage, extractors to remove water from homes without damaging walls or ceilings, and spot guns to blast away hardened buildups of fire residue.
What do I need to have when I call my insurance company?
When you call your insurance company, you will want to prepare by having your policy number, name, and phone number of those involved in the accident. If there was a witness at the scene, write down their information. When you speak to an agent or representative on the phone, they may ask for your vehicle registration and proof of car insurance. If you cannot answer any questions about what happened in an accident, provide answers from others directly involved.
How do I get my home back to normal after a fire?
Your home insurance company will ask for a list of your belongings, so gather this information before you call. Take pictures and keep receipts for major purchases like a new refrigerator or TV. If you already have homeowners or renter’s insurance and your policy has remained the same since the last time you purchased it, there may only be a little else to do besides reviewing your premium payment. In this case, you can check if your insurance provider is still financially stable with a credit rating system like Experian Rating Watch or Fitch Ratings Corporate Bond Credit Ratings.
What can be restored after a fire?
After a fire, there are a lot of restorable household items. Specific procedures can remove minor fire and smoke damage. More severe damage after a house fire may require more than just cleaning. A professional restoration company should look at structural integrity, air quality, and overall safety before taking additional steps toward restoration.
How do I document the fire damage?
After assessing the damage, it’s essential to document every aspect of the situation. You can do this by taking pictures and videos, so you have something to refer back to later on. Also, write down everything that you notice from this stage. It will help you remember what to look for further down the road.
Smoke leaves a greasy layer of residue on surfaces. It can be challenging to remove, as the grime sticks to walls, cabinets, and furniture, leaving a discolored film behind. Professional cleaners have techniques for removing smoke residue that involves carefully applying cleaning agents and using appropriate tools to scrub affected surfaces. These procedures are more effective than traditional products and implements, such as sponges and rags, which spread the soot around.
Can water used to put out a fire cause more damage than the fire itself?
The fire will continue to smoke after you put it out. It can lead to considerable damage, especially if combustible materials like wood and plastic are present in the structure. To mitigate this damage, quickly apply water after the flames are gone to prevent secondary fires.
The steps are:
1) Allow the fire to burn long enough that it has died out.
2) Use a fire extinguisher to put out remaining flames or embers.
3) Prevent re-ignition by covering with foam or sand/earth mixture.
On The Map Restoration is Here for You!
Are you looking for a new way to move on from the fire, storm or flood damage in your home? OTM is ready to help! We know how difficult these situations can be, and we are here for you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.
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