Preventing Secondary Damage: Addressing Water Damage After Firefighting Efforts
If you are a homeowner who recently lived through a house fire, then a lot is probably already weighing on your mind. Among those worries is how damaging the water from the firefighting efforts can be to a home that may already be in shambles.
It is important to address water damage after firefighting efforts to prevent secondary damage and ensure you will have a much smoother and more successful recovery process. When responding to a fire, firefighters often have to use large volumes of water to extinguish the flames. This can lead to water damage in the affected areas.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent secondary water damage…
Safety Is the Top Priority
Before you even step onto the property, you need to ensure it is safe to do so. The home’s structural integrity may be compromised, and there may be electrical hazards and other safety concerns. Ensure all the safety concerns have been addressed and you are cleared to enter the home.
Assess the Extent of the Water Damage
Now it’s time to assess the extent of the water damage following the fire. Check for standing water, soaked materials, and potential moisture intrusion in the walls, ceilings, and floors.
Remove Standing Water
You must remove as much standing water as possible and do this as soon as possible to prevent secondary damage. You must use pumps and a wet/dry vacuum to remove all standing water. The quicker the water is removed, the lower the chance of further damage and mold growth.
Dry Out the Space
Once all the water has been removed, it is time to dry out the space. You can do this properly with dehumidifiers, industrial fans, and other drying equipment. This step is essential for preventing mold growth. It should be done right away because mold only takes 24-48 hours to develop in an area with excess moisture that is not being controlled.
Find All Salvageable Items
Now, see if there are any items you can possibly salvage and remove from the affected areas. This can include but is not limited to furniture, electronics, documents, and any other material possessions you own that were not severely damaged by water or fire. Many things can probably even be saved with quick and proper restoration.
Find and Address Hidden Moisture
You have done everything you can see to prevent secondary damage, but what about what you can’t see? Water can easily seep into concealed places, like within the walls and under the floorboards. Use moisture detection tools to help identify these invisible pockets of moisture and then use the appropriate drying techniques to mitigate damage.
Follow Through With Mold Prevention
Mold growth is always a big concern after any kind of water damage. To combat this, apply antimicrobial treatments and mold inhibitors to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
Work With Professionals
Finally, consider working with professionals with the specialized equipment, skills, and knowledge to ensure each step of the process is followed through and done properly to cut down on the secondary damage you can experience after firefighting efforts in the home.
Following these tips and working with professionals can support recovery from both fire and water damage. Acting quickly in these scenarios is crucial in mitigating further issues so that you can achieve the best possible outcome.