Winter is upon us and with it brings an increase of house fires. The higher rate of fires during the winter months is usually due to the fact that we spend more time inside cooking and burning candles. A majority of fires we see are relate d to unattended grease on a hot stove.
After a fire it is natural to want to jump right in and start cleaning the building and contents. Timely action can be a great help, but in correct action can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration. Open food or food affected by extreme heat should not be used or eaten. These items should be listed and disposed of. One should eliminate the amount of traffic on carpets and soft furniture that has suffered heavy soot damage to prevent permanent soiling.
What one should do is remove any pets or family to a clean environment if heavy residue is present or if the home is not habitable. Windows and doors should be opened to ventilate the house if the weather permits. If the electricity is off for a period of time then food items in fridge and freezer should be listed and removed prior to spoiling. One should also clean and protect chrome trim on faucets, appliances and other items by washing with detergent and applying a coating of oil or Vaseline. This will prevent or minimize discolouration or permanent damage to these items. A fire loss could put one out of their home for several months given the severity of the fire damage. Additional living arrangements will be required either in a hotel or temporary arrangements in a rental if available.
By retaining a qualified contractor, Miller Restoration DKC who specializes in fire restoration it will ease the pain and stress one will encounter. Miller Restoration DKC will arrange for temporary board ups, securing of premises and winterizing the plumbing if required. We will also address contents and building issues affected by fire and return you to your pre loss condition in a timely manner. As mentioned earlier, “incorrect action or inexperience will jeopardize or impede satisfactory results and restoration.”