A fire can sweep through your home quickly. Whether the fire is small or has already grown to a burning blaze, you need the flames extinguished immediately.
When a house is on fire, the firefighters responding to the scene are trained to do everything in their power first to save lives, then douse the flames and save the building. Unfortunately, some of those firefighting techniques can cause damage to your property in the process.
Water is one of the main ways to stop a fire, cooling the burning debris and limiting oxygen’s ability to fuel the flames.
However, water damage from firefighting efforts can sometimes wreak just as much destruction on a property as the fire itself. Damage can occur from the water hoses firefighters use, which can be harsh due to the power and pressure they provide. On average, firefighters use nearly 3,000 gallons of water on a house fire.
If the water cannot be removed quickly afterward, the damage may worsen as mold spores can grow in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold eats away at building materials like drywall, floorboards and wood.
To minimize water damage, removing excess water as quickly as possible is of the utmost importance. A professional water restoration company such as ServiceMaster DSI will work to get the water out and save as many items as possible.
Do’s and Don’ts After Water Damage from Firefighting
You can take initial steps to dry out the property. After the property has been deemed safe to enter by fire officials and you’ve contacted a restoration company, you may:
Circulate air by opening windows if the weather allows.
Prop open cabinet doors and drawers.
Remove wet area rugs to prevent further water damage to the floor.
Wrap foil on furniture legs to prevent moisture from creeping upward.
In the meantime, after water damage, do not:
Use a household vacuum to clean up the water.
Enter a room with a sagging roof or ceiling.
Enter a room with standing water.
Remove permanent carpet.
Contact Your Insurance Company
You should call your insurance provider once the property is safe to enter. Before restoration can begin, an insurance adjuster may need to inspect the damage. You’ll also learn more about what your policy limits are and how much you have to spend on repairs.
Additionally – document, document, document! Take photos and videos of the fire and water damage and the effect they’ve had on your home. The more information you have, the faster – and easier -- your insurance claim should go.
What Can You Expect from Water Restoration Services?
When you call for water restoration services, you can expect ServiceMaster DSI technicians to help you recover from firefighting damage in the following ways:
Use specialized equipment to remove all water quickly.
Thoroughly dry affected areas, including wall cavities, flooring and other building materials.
Get rid of the remaining moisture in the building by dehumidifying affected areas.
Conduct mold treatments, if necessary.
Restore any of your items and possessions that are salvageable.
Use advanced tools and technology to restore your home to its pre-damaged state.
ServiceMaster DSI also provides complete house fire restoration services. From soot and smoke removal to pack-out services and post-disaster reconstruction, our restoration professionals are trained for all services necessary to return your home to its pre-loss condition. If you’re struggling with the aftereffects of a fire, contact ServiceMaster DSI at 844-413-3130 for services in your area. We are available 24/7 to help restore your home.
