Surviving a fire is a life changing event. Additional to the emotional pain of dealing with the result of a fire, you also have to work through with the physical damage left behind. Once the firefighters have put out the inferno and everyone is safe, it`s time to initiate thinking about fire mitigation.
Starting step is to call your insurance company, recommends Go now. They will send out an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what will be covered by your policy. Then you have a list of what needs to be finished, you can begin creating a game plan for cleaning up and repairing your home.
According to fire damage nashville, one of the most key aspects of fire restoration is cleaning up smoke and soot havoc. These particles are very fine and can penetrate surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors. They can also get into your heating and air system and spread throughout your home, causing further issues.
To sanitize smoke and soot damage, you need to use targeted cleaners and devices. It`s important to leave this job to the pro`s because they have the know how and knowledge critical to do it safely and efficiently. Moveover, if you`re on a limited budget, there are some things you can do yourself.
To begin, open all the windows and doors to dehumidify your home. Then, using a sponge or soft cloth, wipe down all surfaces with plain water. You can also use a mild detergent or soap if needed. Be sure to switch your sponge or cloth often because they will quickly become filled with soot.
Once you`ve cleaned all the surfaces in your apartment, you need to vacuum all the carpets, upholstered furniture, drapes, and blinds. Be sure to use equipment with HEPA filters because they will trap the soot detritus rather than just moving them around. If you don`t have a HEPA vacuum, you can rent one from most hardware stores.
Another common issue after a fire is water damage from firefighting efforts. This water can drip into walls, floors, and other areas of your home, causing mold and mildew growth if not properly mitigated.
To mitigate water damage, start by soaking up any standing water using a wet/dry vacuum or mop and bucket. Also, use fans or dehumidifiers to dry out the area as much as possible. Once everything is dry, you`ll need to clean all surfaces with disinfectant to prevent mold growth.
According to Go now, dealing with the aftermath of a fire is never easy but knowing what needs to be checked off can help make the process less overwhelming. Start by contacting your insurance company then begin cleaning up smoke and soot damage. Remember to use special cleaners and equipment. Don`t forget to also mitigate any water damage from firefighting efforts by removing standing water then drying out the area completely before disinfecting all areas. Following these tips will help get your home back to normal as quickly as possible after a fire.