Fire’s Out, Now What? Tips For Dealing With The Damage Of A HomeFire (NAPS)—Even after a fire is extinguished, the damage contin- ues. Smoke residue and water from fire hoses, or even humidity, can significantly harm your belongings. To minimize loss, know what to do right from the start. Prompt action can lower overall cost, as well as save valu- able possessions that might otherwisebelost. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certifi- cation (IICRC) offers the following tips on what to do in the aftermath of a homefire: Contact your insurance company immediately. It is your responsibility to begin loss mitigation, including steps to prevent the damage from getting worse. Take inventory of damaged goods before discarding anything and save receipts for moneyspent relating to thefire loss. e Avoid falling structural components. Although fire authorities may allow you to enter the house, the area still could be hazardous. Look for structural damage that will need repair, like charred beamsandsaggingceilings. e Stay away from electrical shock hazards. Check for exposed wiring. Also, be careful of damaged inside walls andelectrical lines not normally visible. Keep people with allergies out of the home. People with severe allergies or respiratory problems should stay out of the area until initial cleanup is complete. Weather permit- ting, ventilate the home to remove soot residues. Wipe down durable surfaces. Smoke residues combine with humidity to form acids that can stain grout, paint, bath fixtures, kitchen counter tops and many appliances. Immediate clean up of durable surfaces with household cleaners can dramatically limit yourloss. Call a professional. The IICRC recommendshiring a certified professional to provide advice and repair damage to your homeafter a fire. Fire restoration experts can help you get your home and furnishings back to a “pre-loss” condition. Remember, in many cases, attempting the clean-up process yourself will only make matters worse. IICRC-certified technicians have the experience, training and knowledge to assess the damage andrestore your belongings. Visit the IICRC Web site at www.iicre.org or call 1-800-8354624 to locate an IICRC-certified firm or technician near you. Whetherrepairing damageafter a fire or routine cleaning and restoration, an IICRC technician can help.
