It’s hard to imagine anything more devastating than a fire in your home, threatening your family’s sense of security. The first 24 to 48 hours after a fire are known as the “golden hours” of recovery. An effective emergency response that gets underway will ensure the recovery of as much personal property as possible and will stabilize your building. As soon as the authorities allow, fire damage restoration can begin. Smoke is an acidic byproduct of fire, capable or corroding and staining surfaces such as walls and counters. Sometimes the way the fire is put out can cause more danger than the fire itself. Proper fire restoration deals with heat, smoke, and water damage.

What to do After a House Fire; Steps You Can Take as a Homeowner

The first thing you’ll need to do is call the professionals. You should then open all the windows to get air moving to push the smoke out of the room. Children and pets will need to be moved to a smoke free environment as it contains carcinogenic gases. If there is no power, you’ll need to empty your refrigerator and freezer and prop the doors open to prevent odors from building up inside. Make an inventory of your home and make a list of all items that need replacing. Take pictures of all damage for yourself, the insurance company, and the fire investigators.

Fire Damage Restoration Steps You Should Not Take

Some things you should not try and take care of on your own because of toxic gases or the risk of smoldering ash. Fire restoration specialists use the proper safety equipment to get the work done without any risks. Do not wipe down the walls, wood trim, and furniture or any absorbent surface. Do not sit on or move upholstered furniture. Do no consume any food product, including canned items, that were exposed to the extreme heat of the fire. Do not turn on the furnace or air conditioner. Stay away from electrical devices until you are told it is safe.

The Process of Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration

The general process of fire damage restoration is the same but can each require a unique solution. There will be an inspection and assessment to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. The property will be immediately boarded-up and roof-tarp service will be done as fire damage can often compromise windows, walls and roofs. Water removal and drying of water is next. if present, water will be removed immediately and then dehumidifiers and air movers will be used to remove remaining water to complete the drying process. Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces like ceilings, walls, and other surfaces will be done. Cleaning and sanitizing is next and all restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire will be cleaned. They can also remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. Restoration is the final step and can include minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet.

Fire Damage Restoration Specialists in Quincy, Macomb, Hamilton, Warsaw & East Alton Illinois | Hannibal, Missouri and Norman, Oklahoma

Fire can be devastating to your home or business. Your property will suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from the firefighting efforts. Restoration is a key step to rebuilding. The professionals at American Hometown Services are trained specialists. Give us a call to get your home to pre-fire condition.