What does SERVPRO do first to restore a fire damaged home?

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

After a Fire in Plymouth Our Technicians Assess What Mitigation Needs to Be Done After Dealing with Safety Issues

Today over 127 firefighters respond annually to over 11,000 runs. Many of these call-outs involve residential property. After the firefighters put out the flames, SERVPRO steps in to help clean, repair, and restore.

During Fire Restoration What Happens First?

Securing the building from safety hazards is the first step in any job we do. We cannot begin repair and restoration unless it is safe. Our technicians are trained to scope out a fire damage scene in Plymouth and look for potential hazards. Emergency mitigation, such as boarding up, may be needed as well. The particular things SERVPRO looks for include:

• Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead
• Utility concerns including gas leakage risks and electrical shock dangers
• Damage to the structure that could lead to a collapse
• Fall or slip hazards
• Off-gassing during combustion
• Determining the level of water contamination

We have protocols we follow to mitigate any of the above situations so that everything gets done safely. These protocols include:

• Turning off utilities, such as gas and electric, at the source
• Using temporary supports for damaged structural components
• Letting our certified biohazard removal technicians handle hazardous materials.
• Use the correct PPE gear for the job.
• Working within local and state laws for removal of biohazardous material

How Do You Determine What Restoration Techniques are Used?

SERVPRO employs the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) that understand fires and fire residue. In a single fire, they often deal with wet, dry, and protein-based soot. Each of these requires different cleaning methods. The project manager considers several aspects when putting a restoration plan together. The conditions during the fire, materials consumed, and how the fire and smoke swept through the home are all considered.  The technicians then begin cleaning and restoring the home.

In order to properly clean, the technicians determine which type of soot is in the area where they are working. They test different cleaning methods and products in inconspicuous places to decide the best cleaning option. They go through the house, cleaning each impacted surface so that restoration can begin.

Why is Water Damage Cleanup Necessary After a Fire?

If firefighters were involved in putting out the fire, water and chemicals get used. Our IICRC techs deal with any water intrusion before they begin fire damage cleanup. Water is corrosive and destroys impacted material quickly. Water extraction methods are used to clear as much moisture from the building as possible. We use EPA-registered antimicrobial agents to treat contaminated water. Industrial strength drying equipment gets used to dry the structure. If the moisture is allowed to sit for long periods, secondary damage such as mold and mildew can become a serious problem.

How Does SERVPRO Restore My Home?

Once the safety issues get dealt with, and water extraction is complete, the cleaning and restoration begin. Charred and ruined material gets removed quickly as they contribute significantly to the foul odors present with fire damage. Cleaning methods such as soda blasting are used on fire-damaged structural elements. Scraping and wire brushing are other cleaning options for content covered in soot. Damp wiping removes smoke residue from surfaces. Damaged walls, floors, and ceilings get repaired. You can rest assured that our technicians use the most advanced restoration techniques and professional equipment to restore your home. Our goal is to leave the residence, “Like it never even happened.”

Can the Smell Be Removed?

Smoke residue settles on surfaces and becomes embedded into the content of the home. The airborne particles can travel quickly throughout the home, even from the smallest fire. Our technicians work tirelessly toward eliminating the foul odors present. We neutralize scent-bearing particles with chemicals that alter the composition of the soot. Enzymatic products, hydroxyl generators, and thermal fogging are techniques that help remove the awful smell.

A fire damaged home needs professional, well-trained fire damage restoration experts that understand what is needed. At SERVPRO, we sympathize with anyone who has undergone a disaster such as a fire. We want you back in your home and doing all the normal things you do every day. Our technicians work diligently to ensure that happens.

Contact SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham at (508) 746-9500 for professional fire damage service. We are licensed and bonded – Contractor Licenses: General: CS-108357.  We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.