How To Clean Up After a Fire

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Nashboro Village, TN

Take Cleanup One Step At A Time

Having a business fire is devastating and both physically and mentally exhausting. Although you may know what to do when your business is actively ablaze, you might be at a loss after the fire. There are many factors involved when you are dealing with things like smoke and water cleanup. To get your business back in shape, you need to know how to clean up after a fire. 

Wait Until the Fire Department Says It's Safe
As hard as it is, you should wait to begin your fire cleanup. The fire department might have:

• Punched holes in walls, ceilings, floors
• Broken windows
• Soaked the roof, floor, and electrical appliances
• Broken furniture or doors
  

All of these actions can cause hazards and may not be safe. You may also want to wait until an inspector or insurance adjuster comes. If the damage is too great, consider a fire damage restoration company in Nashville, TN.

Start With Smoke Damage
Tackle smoke cleanup before working on water cleanup because you will be putting more water onto things like floors and walls. Start by spraying down the house's exterior if it was damaged in the fire, cleaning gutters, and deciding what needs to be rebuilt and what holes need to be fixed.
You can clean walls and other surfaces with trisodium phosphate. TSP reduces the smell and binds to ash particles on hard surfaces without damaging them further.

Move to Water Damage
Water cleanup is more involved than smoke. Throw away any electronics, furniture, or badly damaged items. Consider hiring a professional for drywall or ceilings, particularly if you need to replace them. Wash all clothing and bring undamaged shoes, leather, and other items outside to dry.
You do not have to be overwhelmed by fire cleanup. Just remember to take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to call in professionals when necessary.