3 Things to Avoid After a Fire

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

In the aftermath of a fire, you may be wondering what you can do to begin the restoration process without risking any further damage.

A fire, regardless of whether it takes place in a residential or commercial setting, is disruptive to daily life and operations, often overwhelming property owners. In the aftermath of a fire, you may be wondering what you can do to begin the restoration process without risking any further damage to the affected property. In today’s blog, we’ll share a few of the most important actions to avoid in the aftermath of a fire so that you can best protect your property from any further damage.

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

Immediately after a fire, property owners are usually eager to get back inside and assess the damage. However, it is important to know that re-entering a property that has just experienced a fire before the fire department has given the all-clear can risk further property damage.

2. Cleaning The Property Yourself

Even with small fires, it is possible for smoke and soot residue to damage walls, ceilings, and contents in both residential and commercial properties. This type of damage is something that needs to be professionally removed. If not, damage and odors can accumulate and worsen over time. Attempting to wash walls and carpets yourself can lead to additional damage. Be sure to contact SERVPRO Team Wall in order to ensure that your property is cleaned with the appropriate products and professional methods. 

3. Using or Cleaning Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances, including televisions, computers, refrigerators, and washing machines, should not be used in the aftermath of a fire. Additionally, attempting to clean any electrical appliances after a fire, especially if they were situated anywhere near the fire, is unsafe. This also extends to lights and ceiling fixtures if their surrounding areas are wet as a result from fire extinguishing efforts. In order to keep everyone in your home or business safe from electrical shock, leave electrical appliances alone and leave the cleaning efforts to professionals.

Call SERVPRO After a Fire

In order to ensure that your property receives the best care possible and avoids additional, unnecessary damage after a fire, there is no better solution than calling SERVPRO of Hunt Valley and Harford County at (410) 229-0012. Learn more about our Fire Damage Services, which are available to both residential and commercial properties, as well as our Fire Damage Restoration Process and our approach to caring for your fire-damaged belongings, check out our website. Trust SERVPRO Team Wall to make it “Like it never even happened” after any fire, water, storm, or mold emergency.