Fire Damage Emergency Tips for Austin Residents

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

Here to Help

Summary:  SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake explains what to do after a house fire.

Blog Summary:  SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake offers emergency fire damage tips that can speed up the fire damage restoration process and return life to normal.

SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake has been responding to water, smoke, and fire damage incidents for over two decades. Using the most advanced techniques and technology, the highly-trained and experienced team repairs and restores homes and businesses damaged by fire, smoke, water, and other causes. Knowing what to do after a fire can accelerate recovery and restoration, as well as potentially preserve life and health.

House Fire Facts

The Fire Safety Protection Association provides the following statistics that highlight the human dimension of a fire damage incident:

"More than one-quarter (27%) of reported fires occurred in homes. Even worse, four of every five (79%) fire deaths and three-quarters (73%) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires. During this five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 354,400 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,220 civilian fire injuries, $6.9 billion in direct property damage, and 2,560 civilian fire deaths. Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. Over the five-year period of 2013–2017 as a whole, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths."

A Safe Escape Is the Top Priority

A house fire is a traumatic event. The senses are overwhelmed by smoke alarms, the roar of the fire, and wailing sirens. Choking smoke, intense heat, and a gripping fear can be paralyzing at a time when quick thinking and fast action are demanded. Once a house fire starts, occupants have only three to five minutes to escape.

SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake Fire Damage Emergency Tips 

SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake provides these emergency tips to help the homeowner transition from fire escape and survival to fire and water damage restoration. With the fire extinguished and the site stabilized, fire crews are making final checks, gathering and storing equipment, and completing administrative tasks in preparation for departure. The property damage restoration process can safely begin.

Minutes Matter for Fire and Water Damage Restoration

As soon as possible, the homeowner should call a property damage restoration specialist to begin the fire and water damage restoration process. When water damage is a major component of the overall damage event, minutes matter.

While waiting for the property damage team to arrive on the scene, safety is still of utmost importance. This checklist addresses some of the foremost concerns.

• Locate alternate living options if the house is not safe for occupancy.
• Identify and resolve electrical and "slip and fall" hazards.
• Use extreme caution in the damaged structure. Only perform safe activities.
• Avoid lifting wet items such as area rugs, pillows, and furniture. The extra weight from the water can cause back injuries.

What to Do After a Fire

This list focuses on minimizing any further damage to the home until the professionals begin the restoration process.

1. Limit activity in the damaged structure to keep soot from becoming embedded into rugs, carpet, and upholstery.
2. Avoid soiling walls, woodwork, upholstery, and furniture by keeping hands washed or gloved.
3. Cover carpet traffic areas, rugs, and upholstery with clean towels or old linens.
4. If the power is off, remove contents from the freezer and refrigerator. Prop the doors open.

What NOT to Do After a Fire

• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces and do not shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting a certified, experienced property damage company. They have the proper equipment, tools, and solutions to safely and thoroughly clean surfaces covered with soot. Missteps in these areas can further embed the soot and lock in the smoke smell.
• Do not clean electrical appliances or electronics that might have been damaged by fire, heat, or water. Consult with an authorized repair service. When SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake inspects and restores appliances and electronics, only certified technicians do the work.
• Do not consume food or beverages that may have been subjected to fire, heat, or water.
• Avoid using ceiling lights or ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet. Shock or fire could result.
• Do not send clothing, bedspreads, blankets, or pillows to a typical dry cleaner. The smoke odor may be set if the items are not properly cleaned.

A competent and experienced fire and water damage company will assist the homeowner in navigating every step of the restoration process, including the initial inspection and assessment, working with the insurance company, and restoring and rebuilding the damaged area. A top-flight company like SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake will stand beside the homeowner until the job is complete.

To learn more about fire damage restoration, visit the SERVPRO of Lakeway/West Lake at https://www.SERVPROlakewaywestlake.com. Contact the team by phone at (512) 261-4790.