After a Fire: What Not To Do

9/12/2022 (Permalink)

Fires, as we know, disrupt daily life for homeowners and regular operations for commercial properties. As a property owner, your mind is likely fixated on what you can do to restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition as soon as possible. While this thinking may be productive, taking hasty actions after a fire can risk additional damage to a property already suffering from fire damage. Read on to learn about actions to avoid after a fire in an effort to protect your property from additional, avoidable damage. 

1. Re-entering Your Home or Business Before It Is Safe to Do So

Although the fire may be extinguished, it is not necessarily safe to re-enter the property. It is understandable that you are anxious to re-enter your home or business after a fire in order to assess the damage. However, it is important to remember that entering a fire-damaged property prematurely can result in an increased risk for additional damage. 

2. Cleaning the Property Yourself

Small and large fires alike can bring about smoke and soot residue, both of which risk damage to a property’s contents, as well as its ceilings and walls. Calling a fire damage restoration professional is beneficial, to make sure that the property is thoroughly restored and cleaned with professionally, tested, and reliable methods and tools. Taking matters into your own hands, especially when it comes to cleaning carpets and walls, only risks further, unwanted damage. By contacting SERVPRO of Clarion Jefferson and Forest Counties instead, your property will receive the highest quality care, making your fire damage seem “Like it never even happened” after an emergency.

3. Using or Cleaning Electrical Appliances

Remember that in the early stages after a fire, areas of the property can be damp or soaked from fire extinguishing efforts.  That makes it important to avoid using electrical devices and appliances in an effort to prevent electrical shock. Because fires are extinguished with water, the wiring of electrical appliances, such as televisions, computers, refrigerators, and washing machines, can be left damp and dangerous to use. This is why it is best to also leave the task of cleaning electrical appliances to the professionals, who can make sure that everything is completed safely. 

Call SERVPRO After a Fire

Making the call to SERVPRO of Clarion Jefferson and Forest Counties after a fire is the best way to ensure great care for your property. Let our trusted restoration and cleaning services, experienced crew members, and advanced technology give you peace of mind after a fire. You can learn more about our fire damage restoration offerings, including our commercial and residential services on our website. At the first sign of damage, pick up the phone and call SERVPRO of Clarion Jefferson and Forest Counties at 814 849-5653 to make it “Like it never even happened” and restore your home or business to its pre-fire condition as soon as possible