House fires have staggering statistics that might shock you. The average number of house fires within a single year in the U.S. is about 358,000. That also can be broken down into the statistic of a house fire starting about every 87 seconds. The leading causes of house fires are cooking, heating equipment, and electrical mishaps. Because residential fires are so common, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to cleaning up the aftermath of a fire within your home.
Fire Damage Cleanup – Charlotte
It is extremely important to act immediately when there is a fire within your home. Acting quickly can not only save lives but also allow for a timely response to get professional help to save your home or clean up the damage caused by a fire. The safety of yourself and others should be your first priority, and ensuring that you have an escape plan in the case of an emergency is highly recommended. Once you are safe, contact your local fire department. Firefighters are able to put out the flames and ensure that there are no remnants that could reignite. One of your next calls should be to a restoration team that can professionally help you get started on getting the various kinds of fire damage cleaned up within your home.
Structural Damage
One of the damages you will find within your home after a fire is structural damage. This might be the most obvious one, but it needs to be addressed properly nonetheless. Structural damage refers to the damage that occurs to the framework or structure of a home or building. This refers to damage that occurs to walls, ceilings, floors, and other structural components of the home that provide stability. If not taken care of correctly, this kind of damage can result in walls, ceilings, or floors collapsing. These consequences can leave a home uninhabitable and often need intense reconstruction to repair.
Smoke Damage
Smoke is another harmful result of fire damage within your home. Smoke is made up of small particles that penetrate many different kinds of surfaces. Because it is not always as drastically visible as structural damage may be, smoke damage can often be overlooked. Smoke can contain harmful particles depending on the materials that caught fire and underwent chemical reactions during the burning process. Soot, residue, and odors can be left behind from the smoke of a fire, and it can often lead to health issues if not resolved properly.
Water Damage
Water damage from a residential fire might seem counterintuitive. Water damage is often a result of firefighting efforts that were made. Water is used to combat fire and to cool down the temperature of a fire to prevent surfaces from combusting as firefighters try to control the flames. Because water is used in such large amounts when combating a fire, it can seep into the home and remain there, causing damage. This can also cause damage to the structure of the home, result in mold growth, or even cause further damage to furniture within the home.
Restoration Professionals
Fire damage cleanup is a very extensive task. It can be very daunting if you do not know what you are doing. That is why calling a team of professionals is the best way to recover after a fire within your home. A restoration team is specifically trained in handling the hazardous situation of cleaning up after a fire, and they can help you navigate your way through the recovery process and help you navigate your insurance. Call our team at Rumsey Construction & Restoration today for more insights on fire damage cleanup in your home.
