Before the restoration crews arrive, what can homeowners and business owners do in the event of fire damage? The fire is out; the last fire truck has already left. Knowing what to do next is important. That’s where fire damage tips come in!

The first thing homeowners should consider is whether it would be safe to stay in the home following fire damage. The extent of the fire damage determines this. such as whether it was one room of the house or several places. 

If the house or office has too many open areas as a result of the fire or happens to be soaked from the water that the fire crews used to put out the fire, it would not be a good idea to remain in the home until the home has been restored. 

Another consideration is soot. The fire might be out, but soot can still cover many of the surfaces within the building. Soot can cause breathing problems and skin irritation. Staying in the building while there is an abundance of soot can also mean that the soot will be disturbed and further distributed throughout the property. It’s possible to spread soot onto other items. 

What to do after a fire

After fire damage, homeowners can do the following:

●     Change the HVAC filter.

●     Empty the freezer and the fridge if the electricity has been turned off. Prop the doors open.

●     Cover rugs, upholstery, and carpeted areas with clean towels to prevent tracking more soot throughout the house.

●     Check houseplants for damage and wash both sides of their leaves.

●     Avoid the areas within the home that have the most soot and worst fire damage.

●     Remember that safety is a top priority.

It might be tempting to begin the cleaning process, but upholstery and carpet cleaning should not be attempted without consulting with professionals beforehand. Improper cleaning can further damage the upholstery and carpet. 

Cleaning the electrical appliances is also not recommended without discussing options with an authorized repair service. Wiring may also have been damaged from the fire and water, so turning on certain lights, ceiling fans, and electronics should not be attempted.