What types of fires are not extinguishable by water?

[VIDEO] Flammable liquids and gases, electrical fires, combustible metals, and kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats.

 

How do I clean furniture after a fire?

[VIDEO] To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, use a mild soap or detergent or mix together 4 to 6 tbsp. tri-sodium phosphate and 1 cup household cleaner or chlorine bleach to every gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves. Be sure to rinse surfaces with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.

 

Am I responsible for my deductible?

[VIDEO] Yes, you will be responsible for your deductible. If the loss is a covered claim, your insurance will pay any covered invoices up to your policy limit minus your deductible.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Call your insurance agent and submit your claim. He or she will provide you with information on securing your home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.

How do I secure my property after the fire?

Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.

Can I inspect my house after the fire?

Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.

Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?

In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.

What should I do with the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.

Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?

This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.

How long will the restoration process take?

The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.

What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration procedure.

Is my loss a covered claim?

It depends on your specific policy. Call your insurance agent and/or adjuster to find out if the loss is covered in your policy.

What is a policy limit?

Your policy limit is the amount of money available to cover your claim.

What should I throw away after a fire?

Food safety after a fire is a huge issue, so you should discard non-perishable food exposed to heat, smoke, and firefighting chemicals, as well as perishable food left at room temperature for too long. However, you might be able to salvage refrigerated and frozen food after a fire. You should also throw out medicines, cosmetics, and burned clothing.Inventory non-restorable items to support your claims. Be sure to include the name, cost, and the year each item was purchased. Photos documenting the loss are great too.

Can I use water to put out a fire?

It depends on the type of fire (or fuel). If it’s a burning solid such as wood, paper, or coal, the water will extinguish it either by cooling it or by depriving it of oxygen. But, if the fuel is gasoline, cooking oil, or kerosene, it will simply float on the water and continue to burn.

Can I put out an electrical fire with water?

No! Water conducts electricity and can deliver a potentially deadly electric shock. If the fire is from an appliance and you can safely unplug it, go ahead. You can also use a heavy blanket to cut off its oxygen supply and smother it, or you can use a fire extinguisher designed for a Class C fire.

What are the signs of an electrical fire?

Circuit breaker keeps tripping, persisting burnt smell with no identifiable source, several discolored or charred outlets and switches, or you have old or outdated wiring.

What should I do if I am on fire?

STOP! Moving or running feeds air to the flames and worsens the fire. DROP to the floor—if you stand up, the fire can burn your face. ROLL slowly on the floor or ground in a rug or blanket if you can. COOL off as soon as possible with water for first and second-degree burns.

How do I clean my dryer vent to prevent fires?

Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months. Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.

Can fire extinguisher dust be cleaned from carpet?

Yes. You can wash the carpet, clean the upholstery and curtains, and even scrub off the resilient dry powder stains from floors, but even after sweating for hours, you may still be able to smell the chemical from the extinguisher and spot its traces.

Can fire smoke damage my eyes?

Exposure to smoke on any level can cause irritation to your eyes. Symptoms such as burning sensations, redness, and tearing up are commonplace with exposure to smoke.

How long will the restoration process take?

The length of time varies on the extent of the damage. Additionally, local authorities and your insurance agent will also want to investigate the damage before the restoration company can start the cleanup.

Can I stay in my home during the fire damage restoration process?

This depends on the degree of the damage, your home’s layout, and your comfort level. As an alternate plan, talk with your insurance agent about off-site housing and staying at a hotel – these might be covered by your policy.

What should I do with the water that was used to put out the fire?

Water can lead to more damage such as mold growth. Reputable restoration companies also extract the water from the damaged area as part of the fire restoration job.

Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?

In most losses, cleaning the soot and smoke is the toughest part. Moreover, even small fires can cause major damage within minutes and leave lingering odors if not cleaned up properly. If you don’t act within a day or two of the fire, soot and smoke can leave permanent damage. Restoration professionals have the tools and know-how to restore your home as fast as possible and mitigate the loss.

Can I inspect my house after the fire?

Legally, only a licensed inspector like a structural engineer or industrial hygienist can determine the safety of a building. Besides, the risk of checking the fire damage yourself is too great. Call a professional.

How do I secure my property after the fire?

Most restoration companies also provide board-up services to prevent possible theft. A proper board-up should include using 3/8″ plywood with 2x4s bolted from inside the dwelling over windows. The front door should have a secure lock.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Call your insurance agent and submit your claim. He or she will provide you with information on securing your home, hiring a reliable restoration company, and more.