Where Do We Even Begin?

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

From wooden furniture and precious antiques, to delicate fabrics, SERVPRO cares about your personal property following a fire.

CONFIRM THE HOME IS STABILIZED AND SAFE TO ENTER...

After we are on the scene when you've experienced a fire at your home, the first step SERVPRO of Franklin, Vance & Granville Counties will take is to confirm that the property is safe to enter. We will check for signs of structural damage that compromises the home and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door. 

If you are concerned, you should wait for a home inspector to deem the property safe before you enter.

NEXT UP, WE WILL MINIMIZE DAMAGE...

Smoke and soot will cause damage even after the fire has been extinguished. You and the professionals from SERVPRO working in your home should be cautious of soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion as well as the air quality in your home.

Soot staining occurs when the soot particles in the air adhere to surfaces and cause discoloration. Depending on the surface material and the time elapsed, the soot staining may still be completely removable. In other cases, it will leave behind a permanent discoloration. Some sensitive materials include metals, plastics, grout, carpeting, textiles and wood. SERVPRO will examine these materials in your home and properly clean them to reduce the damage.

Mold and mildew can be a problem and form quickly, so you should look for signs of water damage. If water damage is suspected, the proper restoration and mold and mildew removal processes should begin as soon as possible to minimize further damage.

Cleaning up smoke damage begins by using an air scrubber to clean the air. If there is any smoke-damaged furniture that might be saved or you hope to save, our technicians will begin the smoke-damage restoration process immediately to increase the chance for a complete restoration. 

REMOVE SOOT AND DEBRIS...

Before any water damage or fire damage restoration processes can begin, all debris and soot must be removed from the home. The soot can cause more damage the longer it remains on a surface, while the debris is only going to get in the way the restoration process.

Removing the soot and debris will also improve air quality and reduce airborne odors. A vacuum can remove some of the remaining soot — it can be swept up or wiped. 

BEGIN DEODORIZING, DEEP CLEANING AND REMOVING STAINS...

It’s important to consider what items should be deep cleaned and restored and what items are too damaged and need to be replaced instead. SERVPRO uses specific cleaning products depending on the product being cleaned or deodorized. We consider the type of material and how much mold, mildew or smoke has penetrated the surface when determining which cleaning product to use. 

Carpets, curtains and other fabrics usually need special attention because they are easily ruined. In some cases, carpets can be shampooed and restored, while fabrics can be washed or cleaned. 

Throughout the restoration process, you will be updated by the professionals at SERVPRO as they determine what is salvageable and as we mitigate with your insurance company on your behalf.