How to Deal with Water Damage After a Fire

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating enough. But in the process of extinguishing house fires, many homes and possessions, unfortunately, can suffer water damage as hundreds of gallons of water are pumped onto the inferno. Keep your head up — your home may still be saved after this terrifying ordeal. Learn how you can manage water damage after a fire and how professional assistance can restore your home to an inhabitable state once again.

Inform Your Insurance Carrier

Work with your insurance carrier to create a detailed list of your possessions — of course, this should be done before a disaster can even occur, so update your homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies with every major purchase or renovation. Provide your insurance carrier with photos, videos, and notes of items that have been ruined by fire, smoke, or water or are developing mold growth while salvaging whatever items haven’t been destroyed. Your carrier will provide valuable reimbursement information, including your policy’s limits and temporary housing for you and your family while your home is repaired.

Remove Water & Dry

After the fire is extinguished, you may find standing water in some spots, especially in lower parts of the home like your basement. Soaked carpets sometimes may be saved by removing saturated water with appliances like shop vacuums and steam cleaners and drying them with fans. However, flooring, drywall, and wood can be permanently ruined depending on the amount of water and may need to be removed to prevent mold growth.

Clean & Disinfect

Mold is more than just an eyesore — it can be a serious health risk. Even after you’ve removed as much water as possible, some lingering moisture can lead to an outbreak of mold growth in your home. Mitigate your risk by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting items that may have sustained some water damage (e.g., pillows, linens, and cushions).

Contact the Pros

Dealing with water damage in any circumstance can be time-consuming. Without the proper know-how,
handling this stressful situation can lead to further complications in your home. Remember, you’re never alone in this difficult time — help is just a phone call away. The professionals at Puroclean are experts in restoring water-damaged homes and making them habitable again.

Recover after a blaze and return to your home safely — our technicians are ready to help. For more information, call (309) 433-0900 today.