Dealing With Safety, Soot, Smoke and Water After a Fire

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Communicate with the local fire department and have them check the prevention steps you've taken

Use the Following Safety Tips Before a Fire Starts

When your Plumstead Township, PA, commercial building is affected by fire and smoke damage, there are many differences from what to expect if it had been a residential fire. You may find that there are several additional challenges to face, such as lost profits when your business is interrupted. Use the following safety tips before a fire starts:

• Train your employees to follow your fire safety and evacuation plan and provide practice opportunities.
  
• Install fire sprinkler systems and fire alarms and complete regular maintenance and assessments.
  
• Enforce no smoking, no lit candles, and other risk prevention practices.
  
• Communicate with the local fire department and have them check the prevention steps you've taken.
  
  
  

In spite of your best efforts, however, your business may still be affected by a fire. If this happens, fire and soot damage professionals may be called in to complete smoke cleaning and necessary repairs.

Dangers of Soot

Soot damage happens as dirty carbon particles settle on every available surface. Even a small amount of soot discolors and stains walls, ceilings, countertops, and other surfaces. The fine particles contain acids, metals, and chemicals. In addition to causing surface damage, soot can become dangerous if it travels into the lungs.

How Smoke Damages Property

Smoke damage is similarly problematic. Smoke contains carbon monoxide and dioxide and carries soot far beyond the reach of the flames. Smoke also carries chemicals from burning items, including furniture and electronics. As smoke spreads throughout your property, those chemicals settle on many surfaces.

Fires Result in Water Damage

Firefighters may use a lot of water when putting out flames, so water damage is also part of the mess. As the water settles and humidity fills the air, even more chemicals and contaminants are carried throughout the building.

When a fire affects your Plumstead Township, PA, commercial property, it's best to contact fire, water, and smoke damage restoration technicians. These professionals are trained to correctly deal with the various results of fire.