Dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your Winnetka, IL home can be overwhelming.
Here at ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, we help homeowners in Winnetka get their life back to normal after a fire.
Based on our experience, we wrote this guide on what to do after a house fire and how to address cleanup and restoration.
Let’s get started.
5 Common Causes of Fire Damage in Winnetka, IL, Homes
Here are the five most common causes of fire damage in Winnetka, IL homes that we frequently encounter.
1. Cooking Fires
- Cooking fires are the most common cause of fire damage in homes. Turning off the gas and electricity to your stove and oven is crucial if you have a kitchen fire. It would be best if you also opened all the doors and windows to ventilate the smoke.
- If you have a fire in your oven, you should not try to put it out with water. Using water to put out the fire in your oven can cause electrocution and further damage. Instead, turn off the power to your oven, keep the oven door shut, and let it burn out.
- If you have a fire in your microwave, unplug it and keep the door closed until the fire is out. Many microwaves have safeguards built in them to help smother a fire.
- Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended, even for a minute. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
- Clean your exhaust fans and range hood regularly to reduce the build-up and increased fire risk.
- When deep-frying, never fill the pot more than halfway with cooking oil to avoid spills and hot oil overflowing the sides.
2. Heating Fires
Heating fires are the second most common cause of fire damage in homes. Heating fires usually happen in the winter when people use space heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves.
- To prevent a heating fire, never leave a space heater unattended. Also, keep it away from flammable objects like furniture, curtains, and clothing.
- Do not use your oven or stove to heat your home.
- If you have a fireplace, be sure to clean it regularly and get rid of any ashes.
- Have your chimney professionally cleaned every year.
- Inspect your woodstove annually and get it cleaned if necessary.
- Only burn dry, seasoned wood in your fireplaces and woodstoves.
- Do not leave candles unattended or on unstable surfaces.
- Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
- Never leave a fire in your fireplace unattended. Be sure to extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the house.
3. Smoking
Smoking is the third most common cause of fire damage in homes. It was the leading cause of fire death in the United States from 2012 to 2016.
These fires usually happen when people smoke in bed, near flammable objects, or dispose of ashes that are still hot.
- To prevent a smoking-related fire, be sure to smoke outside, away from your home.
- If you smoke in your home, place hot ashes in a non-combustible container.
- Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or tired.
- Dispose of smoking materials when they are cool in a fireproof container.
- Do not leave lit cigarettes unattended and assume any recently smoked cigarette is still hot.
- If you see someone smoking in bed, tell them to stop. It could save that person's life.
- Install smoke detectors on every level of your home and test them monthly.
4. Electrical Fires
Electrical fires are the fourth most common cause of fire damage in homes. These fires usually happen because of faulty wiring or improper use of electrical appliances.
- Have your home's wiring inspected by a professional every three to five years. Replace any wiring that isn’t in good condition.
- Unplug appliances when not in use or when you go on vacation.
- Do not overload your electrical outlets. If you need to use an extension cord, get one rated for the appliance's wattage.
- Replace any frayed, damaged, or burnt cords.
- Do not use extension cords for permanent wiring.
- Keep flammable objects away from electrical heat sources like space heaters.
- Call an electrician immediately if you see signs of an electrical fire, such as sparks, blackening surfaces, or smoke.
- Do not try to put out an electrical fire with water. Using water on electricity can cause electrocution. Shut off the power from an electrical panel if it’s safe.
- Call 911 if you have an electrical fire.
5. Chemical Fires
Chemical fires are the fifth most common cause of fire damage in homes. These fires usually happen when flammable liquids or gasses ignite.
- To prevent a chemical fire, store flammable liquids and gasses in a safe container and keep them away from heat sources and open flames.
- Store chemicals in areas with adequate ventilation, and if you smell gas, evacuate the area immediately.
What To Do After Fire Damage in Winnetka, IL
What should you do if your house is on fire? Here are eight important steps you need to take.
1. Don’t Enter Until It’s Safe
Before you enter your home again, make sure it’s safe to do so. Get clearance from the Winnetka fire department first.
2. Contact Family and Loved Ones
Let them know what has happened and try not to panic during this period when everyone’s emotions are running high.
3. Take Care of Yourself and Those Who Need it
Take care of yourself, small children, and the elderly. It’s best not to try and repair or clean anything until a fire restoration specialist arrives on the scene.
4. Notify Officials
Contact your local police department to notify them that your home will be temporarily vacant while waiting for the next steps.
Ask them if there are any resources available for those who have had a home fire.
5. Seek Support for Children
Ensure children get back to attending school and let teachers know about any issues to help keep an eye on things while everyone deals with this traumatic event together.
It may take children longer to process what has happened.
6. Replace Important Documents
Assess what you have saved from the fire and start the process of replacing any lost important documents like licenses, passports, and birth certificates from officials.
Oftentimes, documents will have to be replaced one at a time.
6. Talk About It With a Professional
Speaking to a stranger may not be for everyone, but another thing you can do after a home fire is to seek professional counseling and therapy.
Experiencing the loss of a home and valuable items can be traumatic, and talking to a non-judgmental person can be beneficial.
7. Document Everything
You should document everything from the day of the fire until things are back to normal to help avoid errors or misunderstandings later.
Get a copy of the fire report from authorities on-site at the scene, and contact insurance providers to let them know what happened.
You can also try to retrieve anything of value from the fire when it’s deemed safe.
8. Contact ServiceMaster by Zaba
To start the cleanup and restoration process, call ServiceMaster by Zaba for fire restoration services. We are available 24/7 and will work with your insurance company to help make the fire damage "Like it never even happened." Call us at (847) 730-7301
What Not to Do After a Fire in Winnetka, IL
There are also some things you should not do after a fire.
- Do not try to wash any painted surfaces or walls or shampoo any carpeting before you consult a fire restoration specialist.
- Do not use any canned foods or beverages that may have been exposed to excessive heat until you have consulted a fire restoration specialist.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
- Do not send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner since they are not equipped to deal with fire-damaged clothing.
- Do not attempt major repairs yourself; fire, smoke, and water damage require the expertise of trained fire restoration specialists.
Do You Need Fire Damage Restoration Services in Winnetka? Turn to ServiceMaster by Zaba
For many years, ServiceMaster by Zaba has been providing fire damage cleanup and restoration services in Winnetka, IL.
Our fire restoration technicians are highly trained and certified by the IICRC. We provide:
Give us a call today at (847) 730-7301 for professional, thorough fire damage restoration services in Winnetka, IL
