Fire & Smoke
Fire & Smoke damage must be dealt with correctly to minimize long-term impact
A house fire is one of the most traumatic and dangerous situations you can experience as a homeowner. Not only is there the immediate concern for the safety of your family, but there is the emotional assault of watching your home and possessions be destroyed before your eyes. When the fire has been extinguished and you begin the process figuring out how to move forward, it is vital that you involve the expertise of a Restoration Company as quickly as possible. The lingering effects of smoke and fire damage can be greatly mitigated when properly addressed by a trained professional, however time is of the essence. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, call Victory RCS and allow us to help you salvage as much of your valuable possessions as possible.
Here are some Important Tips
to consider after a fire
Limit movement in and around the affected areas
Moving around in the areas affected by the fire will cause soot and debris to become more embedded and thus more difficult to completely clean and remove
Wear protective gear
Once it is safe to reenter the home, always wear protective gear to prevent bodily harm from damaged property, debris, and unhealthy particles that may be inhaled
Remove contents of refrigerator and freezer
Fire damage will often result in the temporary loss of power. In order to help minimize the resulting damage from power loss, it's a good idea to remove all items from the refrigerator and freezer. This will help to prevent spoiling and the accompanying putrid odors that would surely follow
Open windows and change HVAC Filters
Opening all the windows in the house will help it to air out more quickly and help to eliminate residual odors. HVAC Filters will quickly get clogged up with soot and debris and should be changed & checked as needed
Do not use furniture
To avoid additional damage to furniture, do not use any furniture until it has been professionally cleaned
Do not use the HVAC system or Furnace
Until the house has been professionally cleaned and restored, it is recommended that you refrain from using the HVAC system and Furnace to prevent damage to these units resulting from debris and soot contamination
Make a Thorough Inventory List
Make a thorough inventory of all items in the home that will need to be replaced and document with pictures
Special Cleaning Procedures are required
Do not attempt to clean walls, furniture, or floors as this requires a very specific procedure and professional training to minimize residual damage
Contact your Homeowner's Insurance Company right away
It is important to get your Homeowner's Insurance Company involved in your situation as quickly as possible. This will ensure that any residual damage caused by a delay in the restoration process can be prevented.