Residential and commercial fires can be disastrous to property owners. Fire and smoke destroy property, and often firefighters must use high-pressure water hoses that can cause additional water destruction. For those who take action as soon as the situation is resolved, this acute damage could be the extent of what has to be repaired. However, if not dealt with in a timely manner, the initial damage done by the fire can be compounded by lingering soot and ash.
The first thing to do after a fire is, of course, ensure the safety of all the building’s occupants. Once the smoke has cleared and everyone is accounted for, it’s time to call a technician to evaluate the need for Fire Damage Restoration in Bowie. The advantage of taking action as soon as possible is that lingering soot and ash will not have time to adhere as strongly to surfaces. Often, in homes and businesses that do not receive immediate professional care, additional property damage occurs due to these residues. Carpets, furniture, clothing, and other personal items can all be affected. Limiting entry into the home until professional help arrives can help to mitigate some of the negative effects of soot and ash.
It’s a good idea to decide who to call before, not after, serious disasters strike. When choosing who to call for Fire Damage Restoration in Bowie, it’s helpful to pick a company that can also provide water damage restoration services due to the frequency with which fire departments must inundate buildings to extinguish the flames. Companies providing comprehensive disaster clean-up, like ServiceMaster by America’s Restoration Services, will have the experience and equipment necessary to restore the entire building. This can make a big difference for property owners who are already dealing with enough stress.
It’s also important that property owners keep things in perspective. Do not try to wash any carpets, walls, or painted services. Cleaning electrical appliances should also be left to professionals. Inexperienced do-it-yourself can easily cause more damage, requiring even more costly repairs, and even injure themselves in the process. The safety of both a building’s occupants and their personal property should be the highest priority when performing clean-ups and repairs.
