When Water Damages Join Fire Damages

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Waleska, GA

In their efforts to extinguish the fires that threaten commercial properties, firefighters use a lot of water. The powerful water pressure used to put out flames sends moisture into all corners of the building. This quick and decisive response to fire and smoke is often responsible for saving Waleska, GA, businesses, and the contents of commercial buildings. However, it can also add water damage to the fire damage that has already occurred.

Schedule Cleanup and Reconstruction Services

Once the smoke clears and it's safe for you to enter your business, one of your first steps should be to contact fire and water damage restoration professionals. These experts will work through several tasks to make your building look as if the fire had never happened:

• Emergency inspection
  
• Fire and water damage assessment
  
• Board-up and roof tarp services as needed
  
• Water removal and drying
  
• Removal of smoke or soot stains
  
• Fire damage cleaning and repair
  
• Restoration services
  
  

Remember that these professionals have received specialized training and have access to other tools to improve the cleaning and restoration processes.

How To Respond While Waiting for Cleanup Crews
It is best to hire professionals for the actual cleanup and repair work necessary after firefighting efforts are complete. However, there are several things you can do to protect your commercial property:

• Contact your insurance company.
  
• Take pictures of the damage for your records.
  
• Prevent people from moving through the affected areas.
  
• Place clean tarps or towels over high traffic areas.
  
• Turn the water and electricity off to maintain safety in the rest of the building.
  
• Remove indoor plants and carefully wash off both sides of the leaves.
  
• Change all HVAC filters.
  
• Don't try to clean any electrical appliances.
  
  

Resist the urge to wipe down surfaces or furnishings. This could lead to the spread of soot contamination or cause further damage to your property. Wait for professionals to arrive.
When firefighters pull out their powerful fire hose, water damage is sure to join the fire damage caused by the flames and smoke at your commercial property. You may have to accept some additional damages, but with the help of professionals, you can expect your property to look as good as it ever did when the dust has finally settled.