What to Do After a Fire in Plainville, MA
Essential Tips While You Wait for Fire Damage Restoration
Experiencing a fire in your home or business can be overwhelming. In the aftermath, it’s crucial to act carefully and thoughtfully to ensure your safety and reduce the long-term impact of fire damage and smoke damage. If you're in Plainville, MA, and have experienced a fire, here are important steps to take while you wait for a professional fire damage restoration team to arrive.
Ensure Everyone Is Safe
Before anything else, make sure everyone is out of the building and safe. Do not re-enter the property until firefighters or emergency personnel confirm that it is safe to do so. Even if the fire is out, hidden dangers like hot spots, structural damage, or lingering smoke can pose serious risks.
Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company
Once the fire is extinguished and it’s safe to do so, contact a professional fire damage restoration company serving Plainville, MA. The sooner you reach out, the faster they can begin the restoration process and help prevent further damage to your property.
What to Do While You Wait
Although you may be eager to start cleaning up, it’s essential to avoid actions that could cause further harm to your property or compromise your health. Here are some key tips to follow:
1. Avoid Touching Belongings With Bare Hands
Do not touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Touching items without gloves can cause additional damage. If you must handle items, wear gloves and do not disturb the area as much as possible.
2. Ventilate the Area (If Safe)
If the fire department has confirmed the area is safe and the temperature is above 60 degrees, open windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. Proper ventilation can help clear out some of the lingering smoke damage and odors. However, do not use fans or HVAC systems until they have been inspected by a professional.
3. Document the Damage
Take photos or videos of the affected areas and damaged belongings for insurance purposes. Try to document each room thoroughly before moving anything. This can help support your insurance claim and give your restoration company a better understanding of the damage.
4. Avoid Using Electrical Appliances
Do not turn on any lights, electronics, or appliances that may have been exposed to fire, heat, or water until they’ve been inspected. Fire damage can compromise wiring and circuits, making it dangerous to use electrical items.
5. Limit Movement in the Property
Walking around can grind soot into carpets and floors, making it harder to clean later. Try to keep movement within the affected area to a minimum to avoid worsening the damage.
Trust the Experts
At ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning, we understand how devastating fire damage can be. If you’ve experienced a fire in Plainville, MA, don’t navigate the recovery process alone. Our expert team is available 24/7 to provide fast, professional fire damage restoration services. We specialize in safely removing smoke damage, cleaning and restoring your home or business, and helping you get back to normal as quickly as possible.
While taking initial safety steps is important, comprehensive cleanup and restoration should be left to trained professionals. With advanced equipment and years of experience, we’ll handle everything from debris removal and odor control to structural drying and soot cleanup.
If your property has suffered fire damage in Plainville, MA, call ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning now at 800-865-5157 to request immediate help. We do more, so you don't have to—restoring peace of mind, one step at a time.
