Is It Safe to Stay In My Home After Fire Damage?

Whether it’s a small flame or a raging inferno, the subsequent fire damage left behind can compromise your home’s integrity and safety. Recognizing the health risks a fire’s aftermath can pose for you and your family is essential. Lingering smoke and soot odors are also notable hazards.

Smoke damage and soot can often settle throughout your home, even if a fire is contained. Professionals are your best avenue for identifying the extent of the damage and what steps you should take. Today, we’ll discuss the dangers of staying in your home after a fire, how licensed experts can intervene, and what qualifications are necessary for rehousing.

The Hazards of Fire Damage

The aftermath of a fire presents numerous health hazards within your home, warranting caution. The structural integrity of your residence may be compromised due to the fire’s damage, elevating the risk of potential harm. Moreover, debris scattered on the floors poses a threat of cuts or trips, while the lingering fumes from burnt objects can be toxic. The residual soot also has the potential to induce illness.

Do not handle fire-damaged items, consume food, or use water from your home after a fire. These items may be coated in soot or ash, posing a health risk if inhaled or ingested. While it may be difficult, staying away from your home is the best action; the potential dangers associated with returning home outweigh any benefits. It’s important to contact professional assistance as soon as possible.

Fire damage can easily spread throughout your home, leaving soot, ash, and smoke damage behind.

Detecting Soot and Smoke Damage

Qualified restoration experts like PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston have the tools to clean up soot and smoke damage within your home post-fire. Using chemical sponges, these experts can pick up soot by rubbing it across surfaces and inspecting it for any dark residue on the sponge. Additionally, high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuums utilize specialized filters that can quickly detect soot damage efficiently while cleaning it up.

How do professionals visually identify soot and smoke damage? Typically, soot leaves noticeable dark spots on roofs, walls, and furniture. It can also leave behind what is known as “spider webs,” long strands of dust and soot that hang between surfaces. These are all telltale signs of soot.

Chem spongers help detect soot (L). “Spider webs” are a visually distinct way of pinpointing it (R).

Soot and Smoke Damage Can Spread

Another reason why calling in the pros after a fire is crucial? The potential for smoke and soot damage can extend beyond the original affected areas. Without the support of experts equipped with advanced tools, certifications, and experience, discerning the comprehensive extent of your home’s damage from soot and smoke can prove nearly impossible.

In a recent case, pictured below, a fire that began in a home kitchen saw soot and smoke damage reach the living room. All belongings and surfaces were affected.

The fire began in the kitchen (L), but the soot and smoke damage spread into the living room as well (R). Note the soot “spider web” in the corner.

Verify With Your Insurance if You’re Eligible for Rehousing

One important aspect to consider is determining whether your property insurance offers provisions for temporary housing during the restoration and reconstruction of your residence. Be sure to communicate with your insurance company to discuss if you qualify under your policy immediately following a fire incident.

Typically, your insurance will grant you the necessary funds for temporary housing through the “loss of use” coverage. Consult with your insurance beforehand to learn if you have this coverage. If it’s not included in your current plan, discuss adding it. It could make a massive difference in your life post-fire!

Dealing with Fire Damage? Contact PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston for Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration Today!

Disasters can strike anytime and throw your life out of gear in no time. At PuroClean of Central Southwest Houston, we empathize with your situation and are always ready to help you restore the damage caused by fire and smoke. Our team is available 24/7 to provide you with expert assistance whenever you need it. If you’re looking for reliable fire and smoke damage restoration services in Central Southwest Houston or nearby areas, please get in touch with us at (832) 856-5900.