Four Things to Do After a Fire

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Don't be a victim of a fire in your Olean, NY home

What To Do After Fire

Being the victim of a fire in Olean,NY can be devastating. First the flames hit, then came the fire hoses, and now you are looking at your home and possessions with questions: what do I do now, who do I call and what is fire restoration. Here are four things to think about once you are faced with soot, smoke and damage cleaning.

1. Don't Spread the Debris

Try to minimize how much you move around the damaged areas once you return to your home. The more you move around your rooms, the more soot particles attach to your hands and shoes. When you move from a damaged room to an untouched room you can track the debris into a previously clean room.

2. Remove Damaged Items Safely

Start the fire restoration process by removing damaged items. Objects with soot or smoke damage, such as dishes, books and artwork, can be easily removed. However, some items can be harder to move because they've become water logged. Rugs, sofas and carpeting can be deceptively heavy and should be carefully withdrawn.

3. Get the Soot Out

Soot, the fine particulate matter that can land on every surface, needs to be completely removed to mitigate both its impact and potential for future damage. Flat surfaces are the most visible places for soot to land, but it can also end up on vertical blinds, light bulbs and porous air filters.

4. Don't Try to Wash It Away

Electrical appliances need to be assessed for damage before they get cleaned. Likewise, upholstery, woodwork and painted surfaces should be cleaned by professionals who know the right cleansers for each surface. You want to ensure that both fire and smoke damage are addressed during cleanup.

A fire can be a devastating catastrophe in Olean,NY if you don't know the fire restoration process. Following a few simple steps can make that process much easier.