Why Dealing With Kendall Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage.

Why Dealing With Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

In the aftermath of a major Kendall fire, most homeowners want to move past the traumatic experience and get back to normal as quickly as possible. Naturally, returning the home to a pristine state is a huge part of this process, and many homeowners feel that the next proper step to take is to begin the cleanup process on their own. In truth, this is neither the fastest nor the most effective way to deal with fire and smoke damage. Calling SERVPRO is a much better idea.

Restoration companies with experience cleaning up Kendall fire and smoke damage can call on vast resources that are simply unavailable to ordinary homeowners. They have the expertise to root out every last bit of damage and eliminate all evidence of fire and smoke. They also have the heavy-duty tools and professional manpower necessary to perform a proper cleanup job quickly. Homeowners who attempt to tackle fire and smoke damage on their own typically miss a great deal of damage that should be repaired. Their cleaning techniques are often ineffective; homeowners can even spread around potentially-dangerous contaminants while attempting to clean.

Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. Many good restoration companies will perform this service free of charge and provide an obligation-free breakdown of the damage they find. With the homeowner's consent they can proceed directly into cleanup operations. It will take time to finish the job, but professionals can be counted on to eradicate every last piece of evidence that a home suffered Kendall fire and smoke damage.

Homeowners who are waiting to start the cleanup process should be careful to avoid any activities that expose them to danger or risk causing further damage. Damaged furniture should not be used; it may have smoke and harmful particulates lodged in it. All foodstuffs that were in the home should be thrown away; they may have been cooked through or even contaminated during the fire. Electronic devices should be carefully evaluated prior to use to ensure they survived unharmed.

It can be extremely frustrating for homeowners to do nothing following a fire. Dealing with fire and smoke damage is simply not a job for amateurs, though. Calling SERVPRO for professional assistance and then taking heed of the advice and instructions provided by professionals ensures that the problems caused by fire & smoke are resolved completely.

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.