A fire disaster is always combined with water damage because water is an essential component in putting out the fire. Thus, the propery owner will have to deal with two types of damage, which are fire damage and water damage. We do not have to go into details of how fire can damage any property. However, the resulting damage from the water used to stop the fire is another thing. The stagnant water can induce molds and mildew growth within 24 hours making the cleanup process more difficult and hazardous. It is important to start the cleanup process as soon as possible to avoid this additional complication. Following are some basic guidelines on how you can conduct fire and water damage cleanup safely.

Employ the Services of Professional Restoration Companies

Following a fire, no matter how much you want to go back into your house immediately to assess the damage, it is not advisable to do so. For one, you would not know which part of the floor or ceiling still remain stable. Also, there could be damaged electrical wirings that have rendered open wires which could electrocute you. And then, there could be harmful chemicals or substances that you can touch or inhale that can damage your lungs or skin. So how can you survive all these? The answer is simple – let a professional restoration company do this very difficult job for you. They have the necessary expertise and equipment to do this challenging job efficiently and expeditiously.

Keep the Windows Open to Air the Area to Stop Mildew and Mold Development

In the meantime that you are looking for or negotiating with a professional restoration company, keep the windows of your home open for proper ventilation to remove the dampness and discourage mold growth. If the electricals have been checked out by a professional electrician and declared safe to put on, use industrial fans to hasten drying of excess water.

Wear Protective Gear

For added protection, wear protective gear such as goggles for your eyes, gloves and boots to protect your hands and feet and a sturdy type of clothes to protect your body from jutting sharp debris. Wearning a face mask might also be necessary to protect your lungs from inhaling harmful and toxic substances.
No matter how much you want to save on costs considering the huge material loss you already had, it is still wise to let the cleanup job be done by a professional restoration company to prevent further damage and spending more time on cleanup than necessary. Your insurer can help you find a reputable restoration company that can help you accomplish your cleanup job with less aggravation.

Ideally, it is best to deal with the cleanup of your fire-damaged property the soonest possible time which is essential to be able to start rebuilding not only your home but also your life.  Still, this should not be done without taking into consideration how you can safely do this.  Remember that it is possible that your home’s structure has been severely weakened and damaged by the fire and water.  Also, the smoke residue and other hazardous substances that were developed because of the fire can be inhaled and cause some lung, eye or skin problems.  Nothing beats the expertise of professional restoration companies when it comes to doing this job.  It will take out the hit and miss of clean-up which is the last thing you need right now.  There are some basic ways of smoke or fire restoration which professional companies also employ in fixing up your home.

Take Out the Damaged Parts of Fabrics

The first step a professional does in smoke restoration is taking out parts of fabrics that have been seared by the fire or soaked in water.  If you are lucky enough there could be some carpets or draperies that sustained repairable damage.  The restoration companies will then repair the damaged parts and restore it almost to its original state.

Taking out the Flooring, Refurbishing Walls and Ceilings in Smoke ro Fire Restoration

The next step taken by professional restoration companies to clean up the property is through the removal of parts of the floor that has been damaged by fire or water and those that have been irreversibly stained by soot and smoke.  It might even be necessary to take out the entire flooring to hasten the removal of excess water to preclude fungus development and weakening of the structure.  Depending on the extent of the damage, all that has been touched by fire and water might have to be totally replaced.

Just like any damage sustained from disasters, the cleaning up and restoration is best left to the professional restoration companies.  They have the necessary skills, experience and equipment to do the job efficiently and fast.  Your insurer might be able to help you find a reputable restoration company which could help you come through this very trying moment of restoring your fire or water damaged property.