Fire Damage: The Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with the Aftermath

After sustaining damage from a fire or smoke, you may be tempted to start cleaning right away. Your building and all the contents are likely a mess and you want to begin getting things back to normal. Fires in commercial buildings can cause income interruption and timely action can be helpful, but there are some actions that can actually jeopardize a successful restoration after fire damage.

Actions to Take After a Fire:

• Open the windows to allow for ventilation.

• In heavy residue areas, remove pets and bring them to a clean area.

• If there is no electricity, empty your refrigerator and freezer. Prop the doors open to allow the air to circulate.

• Brush off or vacuum loose particles from carpeting, draperies, and upholstery.

• In freezing weather, pour antifreeze into tub drains, sinks, and toilet bowls. This will help to prevent any damage from freezing water. You should also consider having a plumber come out to drain and then blow out all of your water lines in the cold weather.

• Clean any faucets and any other chrome fixtures with a gentle cleaner. Then protect them by applying a layer of oil or petroleum jelly.

• Hire a contractor to board up your roof, windows, doors, and any other areas so further damage does not occur.

Actions to Avoid After a Fire:

• Turn on any electrical items such as TVs, computers, stereos, or any other electrical appliances. Wait until they have been cleaned and checked for safety.

• Use any upholstered furniture or carpeted areas that have heavy debris or residues.

• Wipe any fire reside off absorbent surfaces such as your walls and ceilings.

• Use any food items, including canned foods that have been exposed to the heat.

If you have experienced a fire in your commercial property, contact us and we will get a public adjuster to assess your damage. Timmons Consulting Group consistently gets claims settled quickly so you can get your business back to business.