Navigating the aftermath of a fire can be an overwhelming challenge to face. Stress and adrenaline can interfere with the ability to look at the situation from an objective standpoint. Even after flames are extinguished, the damage left behind is a painful reminder of the catastrophe.
Safety First
Fires are known to be among the most destructive of all disasters. The air is contaminated with smoke, soot, burned chemicals, and everything else combusted by the fire. Toxic particles spread and get trapped in fabric, carpeting, drapes, bedding, and clothing.
Regardless of the fire’s severity, the top priority should always be making sure you and your family are safe. As damages can spread significantly from the area the fire is contained in, it is often wise to seek temporary shelter during the cleanup and restoration process.
The Dangers of Smoke and Soot
Soot results from the burning of various materials. This black residue sticks to any surface that is at a cooler temperature than the fire. It usually accumulates on walls, ceilings, and other hard surfaces, and can embed itself easily into porous materials like wood and fabric.
Smoke and soot cause their own secondary damages after the fire has been extinguished, and they can pose more harm than the initial damages from the flames.
- Smoke odor can continue to linger due to smoke particles embedding themselves into objects and materials. Odor particles can permeate deep into porous materials and can continue to emit unpleasant odors.
- Walls and other objects can be discolored or stained. These damages can take a few days to become visible and can become permanent if not cleaned in a timely manner, or if incorrect cleaning methods are applied.
- Soot can take different forms depending on the nature of the fire. From dry and powdery to sticky, this residue is often very acidic. When it comes into contact with metals, there is the risk of the soot corroding the material.
In addition to damages to the home, the presence of smoke and soot can pose health risks. Soot particles are tiny and can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or in contact with the skin and eyes. Health hazards can include:
- Coughing, exacerbated asthma attacks, and other breathing difficulties
- Eye irritation
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Sore throat
Considering the hazards of soot and smoke, it is highly recommended to contact a professional restoration rather than handle the cleanup with DIY methods. Soot is a known carcinogen, increasing your cancer risk if exposed. Quick removal is imperative to avoid any health consequences.
Ensuring Complete Cleanup
Soot can be a complex problem, requiring considerable time and effort to thoroughly eliminate. Proper methods must be utilized, otherwise it can be easy to aggravate the issue. Thorough cleanup requires:
- A soot sponge, known as a dry-cleaning or chemical sponge, is effective on dry soot resulting from high-oxygen fires. They are ideal for removing soot from ceilings, floors, and other surfaces.
- High-alkali detergents or degreasers are effective against oily soot left from low-oxygen fires. These wet methods are ideal on surfaces made of tile, glass, or other waterproof materials, but should be avoided when cleaning soot off wood, drywall, electronics, and other porous materials.
- HEPA vacuum cleaners and air scrubbers can trap and remove soot particles in the air, helping to deodorize the air. These are paired with ozone and hydroxyl generators to further the deodorizing efficacy.
Traumatic catastrophes like home fires can be distressing, and it’s common for survivors to experience overwhelming emotions as they process what they went through. The weight of grief on its own is a heavy burden, and contacting a professional to ensure thorough cleanup and restoration can bring immense peace of mind.
Precautionary Measures: Our Final Thoughts
- Install and test smoke alarms regularly.
- Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and teach them proper fire safety.
- Cook with care and attention, and never leave an active stove unattended.
- Have a fire extinguisher ready and a plan of action prepared.
- Examine appliances and wiring on a regular basis, and repair or replace when required.
Fire safety diligence can make all the difference to minimize losses and prevent injuries. When tragedies strike, it’s important to stay level-headed. Taking the correct actions can expedite the recovery and return you to your normal life.
