Fire and smoke damage from a house or building fire can be devastating to the owner and to everything within a building, even with a small fire. After the initial blaze has been put out and the insurance company has been called, an owner should immediately consider hiring a fire and smoke remediation service. A professional remediation company will need to get started as soon as possible in order to restore the building back to its previous condition.
What kind of factors should be considered when choosing the right remediation service for the job?
Services Provided
The primary factor to be considered when hiring a fire and smoke remediation service is the type of services they offer. The best remediation service offers a full range of services so that the owner only has to deal with one company (or as few as possible) throughout the remediation and restoration process. Services should include debris removal, odor removal, HEPA filtration, complete scrubbing, personal belonging restoration, off gas safety considerations, job-site security, helping with insurance claims, and proper disposal of debris.
Debris Removal
Debris removal is one of the first things that needs to be done after a fire has been put out. Debris removal includes safely disposing of building material that has been too damaged by fire and smoke to be restored. As well, during debris removal, damaged structural supports will need to be immediately replaced with temporary supports until renovations can restore them properly. Professional fire and smoke remediation experts hold the required permits for transporting and disposing of potentially toxic debris from fire-damaged buildings.
With fire and smoke remediation, debris can also include ash and other particles that can get stuck in the buildings corners, hidden away places, and HVAC systems. Professional services are a must in these situations, as they will have the knowledge, experience, and the proper equipment to fully clean HVAC systems, including vents, to ensure that any particles won’t be kicking around later that can affect building occupant health. Ash, soot, and other toxic smoke elements can be very dangerous for those who live or work in the building.
Odor Removal
Odor removal is also important when the smoke has damaged a building. Fire and smoke remediation professionals use a number of strategies to remove the smell of smoke from the building. Some odor removal steps include opening all the windows and using industrial fans to blow fresh air throughout the building as well as using HEPA air purifiers to get every last smoke particle.
Personal Belonging Restoration
High-quality fire and smoke remediation services offer restoration services for personal belongings as well. Anything that isn’t damaged beyond repair can be taken away and cleaned fully before being returned to the building owner. These items can include anything from appliances and furniture to personal knick-knacks and heirlooms.
Safety In Mind
Professional fire and smoke remediation services must also have safety in mind at all times. This can include both location and health safety. Any location being remediated and restored, especially when windows or doors need to be open for longer periods of time, needs to be secured against intruders. While this often is left to the owner’s discretion, many remediation services can also help with security.
Health safety is also a huge factor when it comes to fire and smoke damage in a building. The air can be filled with hazardous particles for a long period of time and any debris or dust around can also be dangerous. Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn at all times and negative pressure zones may be needed during remediation.
Dealing with Insurance Claims
Dealing with insurance claims can be a hefty burden on building owners just after a fire has devastated their lives. If possible, seeking fire and smoke remediation service that helps deal with insurance claims can be a great relief.
Hiring Professional Fire and Smoke Remediation Services
Any building owner should be prepared in case a fire ever breaks out in the building and have a plan of action ready. Every good plan should include contact information for a reputable fire and smoke remediation service. A professional remediation company that offers a full range of services from inspection to completing renovations can be a lifesaver.