Savannah, Georgia, is home to notable historic buildings with antebellum architecture. It is a picturesque district filled with cobblestoned squares and panoramic parks sheltered by oak trees and draped with Spanish moss.
While the relative humidity turns the township temperate, fire and smoke damage can undeniably devastate and shock your home or business establishment. Smoke spreads FAST, thus needing assessment and restoration right away. Learn the dangers of smoke damage, how you can handle it, and when to call experts for help.
Takeaway
Handling smoke damage is not for everyone because of the dangers associated with it. A professional team like ServiceMaster of Savannah is equipped with the experience, equipment, and methods to handle smoke damage safely and restore your home or business.
What Are the Dangers of Soot and Smoke Damage?
Even after the flames are extinguished, soot and smoke damage can continue to harm your home and your health.
- Tiny soot particles travel through the air and settle deep into furniture, walls, and HVAC systems. These particles contain toxic chemicals, such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and sulfur dioxide, that can irritate the eyes, throat, and lungs, as well as worsen asthma or respiratory conditions.
- Beyond health concerns, soot and smoke residues are highly corrosive. They can discolor walls, damage metals, ruin electronics, and leave behind persistent odors that are difficult to remove without professional cleaning.
- Over time, untreated smoke damage can lead to long-term structural issues and poor indoor air quality.
How to Handle Smoke Damage after a Fire?
Zeroing out soot and declaring ‘SMOKE OUT’ requires professional advice and care. After the fire is put out, call a professional restoration company before reaching out to your insurance provider, because the cost of repairs may be lower than your deductible, meaning you could avoid filing a claim that might raise your future premiums.
Insurance companies can collaborate with smoke damage restoration companies like ServiceMaster of Savannah to deploy certified fire restorers who can educate on how to prevent further damage, determine damaged items that can or cannot be salvaged, and give a JUST financial budget approximation. Our services include:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration
- Residential Fire and Smoke Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
How to Prevent Further Damage?
Aside from expert aid, preventing further damage is a MUST. Before the professionals arrive, you can REDUCE further damage by following these guidelines:
- Ensure you have a Fire Marshal Permit. Safety is the no. 1 priority.
- Wear a dust mask and gloves.
- Clean from top to bottom. Begin with ceilings and walls, then move on to home contents, and finally, the floor.
- Do a heating system maintenance check.
- Open doors and windows for ventilation.
- Turn off the electricity and empty the freezer/refrigerator.
- Limit movement to prevent soot particles from settling into upholstery and carpets.
What to Do When a Fire Breaks Out?
When a fire starts, acting quickly and safely can make all the difference. Here’s what to do if a fire breaks out in your home or business:
- Alert everyone and evacuate immediately. Leave belongings behind and focus on getting everyone out safely.
- Call 911 from a safe location. Report the fire and wait for emergency responders.
- Use a fire extinguisher only if it’s safe. Never use water on grease or electrical fires. Use a Class B or multipurpose extinguisher instead.
- Close doors behind you to slow the spread of flames and smoke.
- Do not re-enter the building until the fire department declares it safe.
Don't Know What to Do Next? We Do.
Best Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Company in Savannah, GA
Once the fire is out and your property is secure, contact ServiceMaster of Savannah. We are your expert fire and smoke damage emergency team in Savannah, GA. Our certified restoration specialists are available 24/7 to remove smoke, soot, and debris, deodorize affected areas, and begin full fire damage restoration.
We keep your properties dry and restore your home from the inside out. Call ServiceMaster of Savannah NOW at (912) 244-6966 and get instant help with your fire and smoke damage needs, or schedule service online.
