Yes your HUMBLE Business was impacted by the fire, now its time to think safety

In truth, the first 24- to 48- hours after fire damage are known as the “golden hours” of recovery. An effective emergency response that quickly stabilizes the facility ensures the recovery of as much property as possible. The acidic soot and smoke damage that is often produced when fires are extinguished accelerates the deterioration and corrosion of building components and vital assets.  To compound the problem, fires are most frequently extinguished with dry chemicals or water. 

When residues mix – One big challenge is when you have a fire damage with more than one type of residue ( see above smoke residue list ) that burns. The understanding of how to clean these situations and the tools to use is not an easy task for the average business/property owner. You can attempt to clean , but buyer beware.

When a fire occurs, porous surfaces expand allowing the soot and odours to enter. Once the surface begins to cool, the pores will then close, trapping in the soot and odours. If the removal and cleaning of this fire damage is not carried out correctly, when the air temperature rises, this soot and odour can migrate back to the surface, released through the open pores.

Smoke from fires often travels from hot and cold areas, high pressure areas to low pressure areas meaning the resulting soot damage often spreads far from where the initial fire began, increasing the area that needs to be specially cleaned to prevent future problems occurring.

It looks clean, but it still smells like smoke – A great way to understand why it still smells after you cleaned is to understand the size of a smoke particle. The size of a smoke particle is .004 micros in size ( yes you need a microscope to see it ). Each particle causes a smell or odor. So imagine these small microscopic particles inside your walls, cabinets, behind wood trim , wall base, underneath the carpet, etc. As you can tell, even if you are the best cleaner there are so many places you can not get to or just miss.

Plus, the toxic smoke odor left behind must be netrualized and deoderized. In addition to the obvious devastation created by heat, flames, and soot, water and smoke are powerful contaminators and destructors in their own right. Immediate intervention is critical to minimize exposure to these damaging agents in hopes of limiting restoration costs. 

•    Within minutes after the blaze is extinguished, acidic soot residue causes discoloration of plastics. Certain materials like marble and alabaster could be marred permanently. 
•    It only takes a matter of hours for acidic soot to cause yellowing of bath fixtures, countertops, and the tarnishing of unprotected metals. Furniture and appliances may also discolor. 
•    Within days, acid residues may permanently discolor walls and cause corrosion and rusting of metals. Flooring made of wood or vinyl must be replaced (or at the least refinished), and textiles such as clothing and furniture upholstery becomes irreparably stained. 
•    In a matter of weeks, carpet may become unsalvageable due to discoloration. Silver-plated fixtures are irreversibly corroded. Glass, crystal, and china may become severely etched and pitted due to extended exposure to acidic soot residue. 

In addition to the structural destruction caused by the flames, acidic soot alone can cause irreparable harm to a business’s interior and belongings. But the problems don’t end there. Odor removal can present another challenge, and ceiling or box fans alone are not always powerful enough to disperse the smell of smoke. Water damage caused by first responders in an effort to extinguish the inferno further complicates matters. 

Business and property owners may be able to salvage some of their belongings with soap and a sponge or by vacuuming and laundering. Heavy soot build-up, extensive water damage, odor removal, and corrosion control, however, is almost always best left to certified restoration technicians. These professionals have the necessary fire damage clean up tools that allow them to restore the interior of a business or commercial property to pre-loss condition.

And you really need to CONSIDER, Beyond the visible structural damage, contents inside the structure must be evaluated for recovery based on a number of factors including:

• Replacement Cost vs. Restoration Cost
• Effect of Smoke and Heat
• Loss of Use
• Loss of Value
• Decreased Life Expectancy
• Sentimental Value

Water Extraction

• Water is an unfortunate byproduct of fire extinguishing, and water damage can often do more damage than the fire itself. The good news is that water extraction techniques have come a long way. The latest technology allows for such comprehensive water removal that it cuts back significantly on the drying time.
• Water can creep into any vacant space in your business, and if you don’t see it and remove it, it can create moisture pockets that then begin to grow mold and harbor bacteria.
• It’s a vital first step to remove all of the water from your business after a fire. Once the water is out, the rest of the cleanup can begin.

Removing Burned Debris and Structural Elements

• Because there are so many items in the average business that are made from synthetic materials. In the past it might have been possible to clean up and refinish wood flooring, but today with the laminate floors and synthetic carpets and carpet padding, the result after a fire is a mess of melted, dangerous, and toxic debris.
• Removing your belongings for discard, storage, or restoration is one thing, but these days it’s often necessary to completely remove flooring, carpeting, drywall, and fixtures after a fire. Some can be saved, but a lot will have to be replaced. The good news is that you won’t be living with burned out flooring that might be damaged and emitting toxins.

Smoke Treatment

• Smoke is so pervasive and persistent, it’s one of the most important things to treat properly after a fire. The odor can linger for ages, and it can ruin your business and actually make it unlivable. With the newest technology in air scrubbers and ozone treatment, it’s easier than ever to get rid of the smoke odor after a fire.
• In addition to the odor being a huge, and often insurmountable issue, smoke residue and soot are extremely corrosive. Removing them properly with the right tools and products will ensure as little damage as possible is done after the fire.

Mold Removal and Prevention

• Something that has become more and more of an issue as we become increasingly dependent on our climate controlled environments, is mold. The latest tactics for removing mold and treating it as quickly as possible after the water used to extinguish the fire is removed, are cutting edge.
• Mold is so toxic, it can cause reactions in people of all ages and levels of health, but it’s especially dangerous to young children, the elderly, and anyone with any type of asthma, respiratory illness, extreme allergies, or compromised immune system. Treating it and preventing it are critical to keeping everyone in your business healthy and safe.

YOU THINK AND CONSIDER CLEAN UP VS THROW OUT

But while you are waiting for help to arrive, here are some tips to get started:

1. Remove as much smoke from the business as possible by using carpet or fire fans from your local supplier.
2. Extract as much water as possible from everywhere possible.
3. Remove wet carpet over wooden floors to prevent wood floors from buckling.
4. Apply Vaseline on all metal objects to prevent corrosion.
5. Don’t start cleaning walls unless you have been given correct instructions on how to. Doing it incorrectly will create more damage.
6. Get scraps of hardwood and put them under all objects on the floor. This will help prevent some mold growth and permanent staining.
7. Find commercial dehumidifiers and place at least one every room in the house. This will help start removing moisture from the business and prevent mold growth. You will need additional equipment, but at least this is a start.
8. Don’t throw away anything. The insurance company has experts that can determine the most burnt item and pay you the value. Even disgusting looking boxes have some monetary value.

Rugs and Carpets
Rugs and carpets should be allowed to dry thoroughly. Throw rugs can be cleaned by beating, sweeping, or vacuuming, and then shampooing. Rugs should be dried as quickly as possible - lay them flat and expose them to a circulation of warm, dry air. A fan turned on the rugs will speed drying. Even though the surface seems dry, moisture remaining at the base of the tufts can quickly cause the rug to rot.

Leather and Books
Wipe your leather goods with a damp cloth, then with a dry cloth. Stuff your purses and shoes with newspapers to retain their shape. Leave your suitcases open. Leather goods should be dried away from heat and sun. When leather goods are dry, clean with saddle soap. You can use steel wool or a suede brush on suede. Rinse leather and suede jackets in cold water and dry away from heat and sun.

Books can be dried by placing them on end with pages separated. Then they should be piled and pressed to prevent the pages from crinkling. Alternating drying and pressing will help prevent mildew until the books are thoroughly dry. If your books are very damp, sprinkle cornstarch or talc between the pages, leave for several hours, then brush off. A fan turned on the books will help them dry.

Photographs
Preserving damaged photographs is often very important to victims of fires, floods and other disasters. If photographs are not burned they can usually be saved. Never try to peel apart photographs that have stuck together. Always remember that photographs were originally developed in water solutions and then washed.

Soak the photos in clear, clean water and rinse carefully and thoroughly and let stuck photographs separate on their own. If they stay damp they can be damaged by mold. If you have quantities of wet photos, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them, then thaw them and wash them a few at a time. After washing the photos, dry them image side up on a smooth hard surface like a glass table or kitchen counter.

Walls, Floors and Furniture
To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together the following solution:

• 4 to 6 tbsp. Tri-Sodium Phosphate
• 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach
• 1 gallon warm water

Wear rubber gloves when cleaning with this solution. Be sure to rinse your walls and furniture with clear warm water and dry thoroughly after washing them with this solution.

Wash a small area of wall at one time, working from the floor up. Then rinse the wall with clear water immediately. Ceilings should be washed last. If the weather allows, open windows and use a fan to circulate air.

Do not repaint until walls and ceilings are completely dry.

Your wallpaper can also be repaired. Use a commercial paste to repaste a loose edge or section. Contact your wallpaper dealer or installer for information on wallpaper cleaners. Washable wallpaper can be cleansed like any ordinary wall, but care must be taken not to soak the paper. Work from bottom to top to prevent streaking.

Wood Furniture

• Do not dry your furniture in the sun. The wood will warp and twist out of shape.
• Clear off mud and dirt.
• Remove drawers. Let them dry thoroughly so there will be no sticking when you replace them.
• Scrub wood furniture or fixtures with a stiff brush and a cleaning solution.
• Wet wood can decay and mold, so dry thoroughly. Open doors and windows for good ventilation. Turn on your furnace or air conditioner, if necessary.
• If mold forms, wipe the wood with a cloth soaked in a mixture of borax dissolved in hot water.

To remove white spots or film, rub the wood surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1/2 cup household ammonia and 1/2 cup water. Then wipe the surface dry and polish with wax or rub the surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of 1/2 cup turpentine and 1/2 cup linseed oil. Be careful - turpentine is combustible. Please remember, oily rags can start fires by spontaneous combustion. You do not want another fire. Put all used rags in an airtight metal container like a paint can and place outside away from your business.

DO…

• Clean and protect chrome trim on faucets and other brightwork by washing with detergent and applying a coating of Vaseline or oil.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
• Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is shut off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow air circulation.
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sink and tub drains to prevent freeze damage if heat is off in winter. Call a plumber to drain and blow out all water lines if heat is off in winter.
• Remove pets to a clean environment if heavy fire residues are present.
• Send a sample group of garments for cleaning and deodorization in order to observe the results.
• Retain a contractor to board up open windows, roofs, or other penetrations in order to prevent additional damage.

DO NOT…

• Wipe or attempt to wash fire residues from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy residues or debris.
• Use food items or canned goods exposed to heat.
• Turn on computers, TV’s, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and checked

Water Damage

Water damage arises from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminates and should be considered hazardous (see sewage and Flood Damage, below). Whatever the origin, the prospects of restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

DO…

• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
• Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk.
• Stay out of rooms were ceilings are sagging from retained water.
• Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low pressure air.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors.
• Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.

DO NOT…

• Operate TVs, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Serious injury may result.
• Use heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture damage may result.
• Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible.

Sewage & Flood Damage

Raw sewage and flood waters contain bacteria and other micro organisms which are extremely hazardous to human health. These can be transmitted by touching contaminated items or by tracking them into uncontaminated areas on shoes. Children and pets are especially vulnerable. Frequent handwashing is an important preventive measure. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and drywall may not be restorable after direct contact with sewage-contaminated or flood-contaminated water.

DO…

• Treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly decontaminated.
• Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas.

DO NOT…

• Track contaminated material into undamaged areas.
• Attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the-counter germicidal products, which may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces.

Soot (Furnace) Damage

While soot may resemble smoke residues from a fire, the restoration of soot damage often requires different techniques. Incorrect action can make restoration more difficult and delay the return to normal.

DO…

• Change and save the old furnace filter.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery draperies and carpets.
• Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use. Do not attempt to wash walls, ceilings or contents without professional assistance.

DO NOT…

• Attempt to wash walls, ceilings or contents without professional assistance.

Vandalism Damage

Vandalism often involves spray paint on walls, defacement of furnishings, or spreading noxious substances. It is one of the most difficult forms of damage to restore. Prompt action can often minimize the effect of vandalism or make restoration more successful.

DO…

• Hose down or wash egg damage from building exteriors as soon as possible.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpet and upholstery.
• Save containers and spray cans which can reveal the composition of inks and pigments.
• Save all wood chips and fragments from furniture, porcelain or art objects.

DO NOT…

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains; they can be permanently set if not handled properly.