Cleaning up after a fire and water damage is the most important thing you can do to protect your family and property. When home fires occur and are extinguished in time to save the home, smoke, ash, and water are the main culprits of the overall damage that occurs to the property. They are also the most at-risk substances to you and your family’s health. Follow along as we discuss these elements and the dangers of neglecting fire and water cleanup when a disaster occurs.
Ash and Smoke Damage
The health hazards to your family are straightforward. The property in your home, like furniture, walls, carpets, and chemicals stored in your bathroom pantry or garage are usually made from a combination of natural and chemical products. All of these products are normally safe for your home when used as designed. When a fire occurs, these items will burn and give off toxic smoke or ash.
Smoke and ash from a fire do not stay in one location during a fire. They both spread throughout the home and contaminate large areas of the house that did not have any fire. While large amounts of smoke and ash are usually visible, even areas slightly affected will still have the residue far from the actual fire spot.
Homeowners who only clean visible spots that appear damaged from smoke or ash will be neglecting harmful toxins if the entire home is not scrubbed and cleaned properly.
Water Damage
Water from extinguishing the fire may be the substance that causes the most damage to your property. If not removed quickly, you will suffer extensive damage to your home and property and experience long-term health issues.
When a home water restoration occurs, it is important to remove any signs of moisture throughout the house. Many people see the large amounts of water that soak into furniture and carpet and spend their time removing it, only to forget about water that has settled within their home’s floors and walls. Water will flow down with gravity, so there will usually be a large amount of water that the homeowner cannot see and hidden within the baseboards and flooring of the home.
Of course, wherever water is left to sit, it is susceptible to the growth of mold and mildew, along with other bacteria. If not removed, all of these substances will cause long-term health effects to your family, especially those with compromised immune systems and breathing difficulties.
Removing Water and Smoke From Your Home
Now that we understand why it is vital to remove all moisture, smoke, and ash from your home, we need to hire experts that have the knowledge and experience to handle the job.
If you have the misfortune to experience a fire and subsequent water damage, don’t try to solve the restoration on your own. Contact a professional restoration company to help you get your home and property back and keep your family healthy.