Basic Salvage After A Fire
1. Fast action is advised.
a) Separate and remove undamaged items to prevent
possible contamination;
b) Air the premises or use a smoke odor counteractant;
c) Clean up;
d) In cold weather, prevent further damage from freezing
pipes by restoring heat or by draining boiler, pipes and
toilet bowls;
e) Board broken windows or holes to protect the
property against trespassers and the elements; and
f) Have an electrician check electric lines, motors, and
other equipment.
2. Water must be removed.
If there is a volume of water to be removed use a
pump, broom or squeegee. Be careful not to cause added
damage by splashing water. All moisture should be
absorbed as rapidly as possible to prevent floors from
warping. Sponge mops can be used to take up small amounts
of water. Borrow or rent (from an equipment rental store)
a wet-or-dry vacuum to extract excess water from carpets
or other water-holding surfaces.
Use a dehumidifier to pull water out of carpets,
furniture and other materials have absorbed water. A
heavy duty suction machine maybe required to remove
deposits of heavy bulk soil.
If the fire was caused by an oil burner explosion,
everything is likely to be covered with oil-base soot
which must be removed promptly. Moderately-strong
solutions (washing soda, trisodium phosphate, ammonia in
warm-to-hot water) dissolve grease and can be used to
remove oil-base soot from surfaces. Wear rubber gloves on
hands, and scrub with sponge or soft-bristle brush; rinse
thoroughly with warm water and clean sponge or cloth,
changing water frequently. Start with 2
tablespoonsful/gallon; add more alkali if needed to
remove soot, but remember too strong a concentration can
remove paint or other finishes. (However, walls, etc.
will likely need to be repainted or refinished anyway.)
Smoke residue contains combustion products which vary
according to what was burned. Foam rubber, petroleum, and
synthetic products which contain petroleum produce toxic
smoke and leave an oily residue that is difficult to
clean.
Insurance companies usually assign adjusters to
advise clients about property restoration. The homeowner
may wish to engage a professional service organization
that specializes in such cleaning to make the premises
liveable again. Effective deodorization of smoke may
require wide-area spray deodorization by a professional
service firm that specializes in the treatment and repair
of fire and smoke damage. However, many salvage
operations can be performed by family members if they
know the proper techniques. See also the entries under
"FLOOD" for more information on drying out and cleaning
up interiors. Remember though, cleaning after flooding
includes disinfecting which may not be necessary after a
fire. Quick drying is important to avoid mildew, rot, and
stains.