Fire and water damage restoration can be hazardous, and prioritizing safety is crucial. When you experience a disaster in your home, be sure you are using these key safety practices.
General safety practices that should be used for ANY disaster restoration are first. Before entering a structure damaged by fire or by water, check to be sure it is safe. If any first responders came to help stabilize the building (put out the fire, cut off the water, etc.), follow any guidance from them about being in or around the property. Do not enter if there's any immediate danger such as risk of collapse, active fire, electrical components in standing water or other immediate dangers. Once it is safe to enter, you need to proceed carefully and check for hazards before doing anything else inside the home. Turn off electrical power to affected areas, especially if there's standing water or exposed wiring. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures (lights or fans) if the ceiling is wet. Assume all power lines are energized until confirmed de-energized by a qualified electrician. Both fire and water damage can leave behind sharp objects like broken glass, nails, and splintered wood. Since water is frequently used to extinguish fires, both types of disasters are prone to slippery flooring.
Always wear appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the specific hazards encountered. Examples of PPE include waterproof and non-conductive gloves to protect your hands. Use waterproof and non-conductive boots with good traction to protect your feet and help prevent slipping on wet flooring. Use goggles to shield your eyes from debris and splashes. Properly fitting industrial-grade respirators filter out harmful particles such as soot, ash, and mold spores. Disposable clothing or protective overalls, and flame-resistant clothing for fire-damaged areas both protect your body and protect clothing you may value more. I can say from personal experience that helmets or hard hats, if you prefer, protect your head from more than falling debris.
If it is safe and weather permits, open windows and doors to air out the structure and help remove odors (smoke and mildew) and improve air quality. However, be cautious not to spread contaminants to unaffected areas. Once the disaster restoration services have begun, it may be necessary to contain the affected areas so follow the directions of the technicians from that point forward. If you're working with a restoration team or insurance professionals, make sure everyone is aware of potential hazards and follows proper safety procedures outlined by the restoration technicians. ServiceMaster of Gwinnett and ServiceMaster 5 Points document disaster damage by taking a lot of photos before, during and after a restoration and sharing them with your insurance adjuster so you don’t have to take your own photos to submit for your claim. Having said that, we never tell anyone that they can’t or shouldn’t take their own photos. If you do choose to take your own pictures, do it from a safe distance and always be aware of your surroundings when moving around in an area damaged by fire or by water.
For significant fire or water damage, it is highly recommended to contact certified professionals like ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points. We have specialized equipment, training, and expertise to handle hazardous materials, assess hidden damage, and ensure a safe and effective restoration process. Organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) set industry standards for safety and restoration practices. ServiceMaster of Gwinnett and ServiceMaster 5 Points are both IICRC certified to ensure that we are following the current standards for your safety.
Now that we have discussed the general safety practices, we will look at practices that are specific to smoke and soot damage from a fire. Soot, ash, and smoke particles can linger in the air and contain toxins. Use respirators whenever you enter the building and industrial grade air purification systems to help clean these particulates out of the air.
Burning materials can release toxic substances. Some dangerous examples are carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, asbestos, and lead-based paint. Professionals will test for these substances and follow strict protocols for their removal and disposal to prevent cross-contamination in areas that were not affected by these toxins during the fire. Fire damage can create confined spaces that may lack oxygen or contain toxic gases. Professionals use testing devices to detect harmful gases such as carbon monoxide.
Some chemical or foam fire extinguishers leave a residue that can irritate the eyes or skin. This residue will be everywhere in the rooms where the extinguisher was used. Other fire extinguishers use a fine powder to smother the fire. You must be careful to contain the powder until it can be properly cleaned up since disturbing it can cause the powder to become airborne. The airborne powder can be inhaled, causing irritation to your lungs.
Fires can damage power lines, electrical systems, and gas lines. Do not attempt to clean any electrical devices or appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service or a qualified electrician. If you have any doubts about the safety of outlets, lighting or other appliances, have them inspected too.
If using ozone generators for deodorization, ensure the area is clear of occupants during operation, as ozone can be harmful. Do not re-enter the home until the professional using the device has cleared the area and told you that it is safe to enter.
Be aware of weakened or charred beams, floors, and roofs, which can increase the risk of collapse. Do not work in fire-damaged structures until they have been inspected and deemed safe by a qualified person such as a structural engineer.
When you have water damage, the first thing everyone worries about is mold growth. Water damage creates ideal conditions for mold growth within 24 to 48 hours. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems and allergies. Professionals may use antimicrobial treatments to help deter mold growth while drying out the affected areas. Proper drying and dehumidification are crucial to preventing mold. Use dehumidifiers and air movers to thoroughly dry affected areas. Air movers are not household fans. They are specialized equipment that uses directed air flow to aid in the drying process. If mold is present, wear an N-95 mask, gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and disposable clothing. Do not use air movers or any sort of fans on mold. The air movement may cause mold spores to become airborne, which will make them spread to other areas of the home or cause you to breathe them into your lungs. Professionals use specialized procedures to safely address mold during mold remediation.
When you have a water loss, it is important to identify the category of water that caused damage to your home. Category 1 is clean water. Category 2 is called gray water by some people. It is not clean enough to drink but has a lower level of contaminants than category 3 water. An example of a category 2 loss is a washing machine overflow. Category 3 can be referred to as black water. This is a more significant level of contamination. Examples of this are toilet overflows or sewage backups. Category 3 water contains significant health risks and requires specialized handling and disposal of affected porous materials.
Professionals use moisture meters and various other tools to detect hidden moisture in walls, floors, and other materials to prevent future mold growth and structural issues. People sometimes make the mistake of thinking that if the surfaces of ceilings, walls and floors feel dry to the touch, then everything is dry. Water can become trapped between walls or between the ceiling below and the flooring above. It can even become trapped between the flooring material and the subfloor. Water trapped in these cavities cannot evaporate on its own because there is not enough air flow to help the moisture escape. That trapped moisture is an ideal environment for mold growth. It is much safer to have a professional evaluate the affected areas to be sure all areas, including cavities, are dry before repairs begin.
By adhering to these safety practices, you can significantly reduce risks during fire or water damage restoration. Remember, when in doubt, always consult trained and certified professionals like ServiceMaster of Gwinnett and ServiceMaster 5 Points. We are IICRC certified for water damage restoration and for fire & smoke damage restoration. We are also preferred providers for most insurance companies. If you have damage to your home or business due to water or fire, call ServiceMaster of Gwinnett or ServiceMaster 5 Points for your disaster restoration. We can help you navigate your restoration safely by using our training and over 30 years of experience.
