Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of fire alarms blaring and thick smoke filling your home. Have you been through something like that? Unfortunately, fire damage is a really traumatic event that can cause not only physical harm but also psychological distress. 

According to National Fire Protection Association, local fire departments responded to 1,353,500 fires in 2021. These fires caused 3,800 civilian deaths, 14,700 civilian injuries, and $15.9 billion in property damage. Understanding the fire damage restoration process thoroughly can make all the difference on the difficult and lengthy path to recovery.

Cleaning up the mess that a fire has left behind is only one aspect of fire and smoke damage restoration. Depending on the damage, it may need various specialist services, from damage assessment to structural damage restoration, debris cleanup, and soot removal. You need careful preparation, knowledge, and skill to restore your property to its previous condition. 

In this blog post, we’re going to explore everything you need to know about fire damage restoration. 

We’ll cover the different causes and classes of fire damage, the steps involved in the restoration process, and offer tips on choosing the right fire damage restoration company for your needs. We’ll also share important safety considerations to keep in mind during the process get can get you through this is the best possible manner.

Causes of Fire Damage

Accidental fires can happen for so many different reasons. Sometimes it’s just a moment of carelessness or a risky decision that sets things off, and other times it could be a problem with something you’re using. And let’s face it, if it’s a lightning strike, there’s really not much you can do to avoid it!

National Fire Protection Association, every 23 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a fire somewhere in the nation. A fire occurs in a structure at the rate of one every 65 seconds, and a home fire occurs every 93 seconds.

Being prepared is key when it comes to dealing with fires. One way to do that is by understanding what causes them in the first place. So, let’s start by learning about those causes and taking the necessary steps to be ready for any eventuality.

Cooking

It’s really important to be cautious with flammable materials in the kitchen, especially when they’re near the stove or oven. If a fire does happen to start, things can quickly become extremely dangerous and difficult to control.

Did you know that grease can catch fire very easily, even without actually touching a flame? It’s true! Whether it’s from food or when you’re cooking with oil, grease is highly flammable and can be a major fire hazard. Spontaneous combustion may be avoided by keeping your stove, oven, and cookware free of grease and dirt accumulation. 

In the event of a grease fire, it’s really important to remember not to use water to try and extinguish it. Pouring water onto a grease fire can actually make it much worse, since the hot grease could splatter and spread the flames. So be sure to have a fire extinguisher or other appropriate tools on hand instead!

Heating

Heating-related fires can occur at any time, although naturally, they tend to occur mostly from November through March. According to NFPA data from 2015 to 2019, heating equipment was the second biggest cause of house fires, home fire injuries, and direct property loss. It was also the third-highest cause of home fire deaths.

Electric blankets, baseboard heaters, portable space heaters, and similar appliances can catch fire if the wiring is damaged or if they emit heat too close to combustible objects like walls, carpets, or textiles like drapes or bed sheets.

Smoking

Cigarettes and lighters are both common causes of fire damage. It’s important to handle them with care and be aware of the potential risks they pose. Unfortunately, a smoking-material fire results in one out of every four non-smoker deaths. 

A single lit cigarette dropped on the floor can start a house-wide fire. This frequently happens when someone passes out after smoking. Always smoking outside of the house is the easiest way to prevent fire damage from smoking.

Electrical

Another common cause of residential fires is faulty electrical systems, which frequently results from insufficient, poor, or loose electrical connections. 

Sometimes it’s easy to miss potential fire risks if you’re not trained to spot them. These could include things like short circuits, loose or sparking connections, and worn or overheated wires. It’s also important to make sure that your lighting fixtures and circuits are properly suited to the amount of current they’re handling. 

So, keep an eye out for these potential hazards and take steps to address them before they become a problem!

For peace of mind, hire a licensed electrician to undertake a yearly assessment of your home’s electrical system, securely carry out repairs and upgrades, and suggest additional safety measures and protection.

Candles

A burning candle should never be left unattended. In fact, candle fires are more likely to happen on holidays like Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. So, make sure to use candles responsibly and never leave them unattended!

According to the NFPA, from 2015 to 2019, there were about 7,400 house-structure fires that were started by candles per year in the United States. An annual average of 90 people died and 670 people were injured as a result of these fires. 

Chemicals

Chemical fires can be very unpredictable and often start when chemicals combine with oxygen to produce enough heat to ignite.

They can also be caused by chemicals coming into contact with an open flame or other heat sources. It’s important to handle chemicals with care and make sure you’re taking all necessary precautions to prevent a fire from starting.

Sources of natural gas or propane gas are other causes of common fires. A combustible environment might arise from an accidental spark and a small gas leak. It’s important to give proper attention to the fittings in your propane tank, and store them in a safe spot. 

Classes of Fire Damage

Class A

Class A fire damage is one of the most frequent types of fire damage to occur across the country. This is usually caused by flammable substances, including plastics, paper, rubber, wood, and fabric, generate this particular type of fire. 

For instance, keeping flammable objects too close to a portable heater might cause it to transfer the heat, causing fire which can then spread throughout your house.

Class B

Damage caused by flammable solids or liquids that can liquify, such as gas, different kinds of plastic, waxes, fuel, paint, and certain oils, is called class B fire damage. Nevertheless, this class does not include any harm brought on by using cooking fats or oils.

Class C 

For a fire to be classified as Class C, it must be started by flammable gas, such as butane, hydrogen, natural gas, or propane.

Since butane and propane gases are often used in cooking, Class C Fire Damage can also be classified as kitchen fires. With that in mind, when you’re no longer using it,turn off your stoves properly to prevent a fire from breaking out.

Class D

Class D Fire damage is the result of a fire caused by a combustible metal, such as sodium, magnesium, and potassium. This type of damage is rare.

Class D fires are unique because they require a special type of fire extinguisher that’s designed to put out fires caused by combustible metals. This is because water and other traditional firefighting methods can actually make a Class D fire worse by spreading the burning metal and increasing the risk of injury. 

So, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with combustible metals and make sure you have the right type of fire extinguisher on hand if you’re working with these materials.

Class E 

Class E Fire Damages, as defined by experts, are the outcome of elements present in both Class A and B fire damages. Class E adds electrical components to the mix, too, thus electrical fires brought on by defective wiring, outdated appliances, and inappropriate outlet use can occasionally result in Class E fire damages.

Class F 

The last type of fire damage is Class F fire damage, which refers to fires caused by cooking fats and oils from frying pans that were left unattended. 

These types of fires can easily happen when frying pans are left unattended or when oil or grease is overheated. It’s important to have a fire extinguisher rated for Class F fires in your kitchen and to be aware of the proper way to handle cooking oils and fats to prevent fires from starting. 

Also, never attempt to put out a Class F fire with water as it can make the fire worse.

Things To Do If Your House In On Fire

Check On Your Family!

While it may seem evident at the time, it is simple to become overwhelmed and disoriented and fail to do even the most elementary tasks. Make sure everyone is alright after the fire broke out. Make sure to bring them outside to a safe spot, and call in fire service. It may be quite distressing, depending on the severity of the fire and the age of the people involved.

Call a close friend if none of your family members are around. Call the family members and let them know you are okay. 

ADD FIRE SERVICE!!!!

Investigate the Extent of The Damage

The first thing you should do when the fire has been put out and all of your family members are secure is to assess the damage. 

Naturally, you can enter your property to check if any critical documents or valuables were not destroyed once the firefighters give the go-ahead. Again, it’s essential that you examine the safety of your home before assessing the damage.

Contact Your Insurance Provider

Make sure your insurance provider is informed as soon as possible. They will tell you how to tackle the fire and smoke damage restoration process. 

To do this, you can prepare the receipts you have as evidence of your loss and make a list of all the damaged products and their prices. Your adjuster will go through your options and benefits based on the coverage you have. The claims procedure will also be covered.

Contact a Fire Damage Restoration Expert

Service providers specializing in fire damage restoration and cleanup can help you salvage your property and restore your home following a fire. Professional fire damage restoration services have the necessary skills and equipment to safely and successfully limit and restore damage. 

The corrosive byproducts left behind after the fire can cause the damage to continue to spread. They may assist in repairing or rebuilding the structural components and personal items in your house as well as removing soot and smoke damage and odor.

How to Find The Right Fire Restoration Company

Choose a repair business that you feel comfortable dealing with even if your insurance company may recommend several. Prior to entering into a contract with a restoration business:

Check The Reviews And Ratings

You may learn about previous experiences from other customers by reading reviews. It will enable you to assess the value of the service.

Check The Certification

Check to see if the company has certification for the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration  The IICRC certification demonstrates that the business has insurance, a documented customer complaint procedure, and educates and trains its personnel.

Carefully Read The Contract

Recognize the services that are covered by insurance. Determine what will be the fire damage restoration costs. Expert fire restoration services will give you a quote after inspecting the site. Keep in mind that if you agree to the contract terms, you are liable for any contracted services. 

Get The Upper Hand When Dealing With Insurance 

Register Your Losses

Make a list of everything you lost in the fire as you walk around your home. Repairing structural damage may be too complex and costly. But, the harm to your property can be considerably more severe. you could have smoke or water damage even in areas the fire did not immediately reach. 

Substantial Losses for Particular Documents

Pay close attention to the exact material losses that the fire has caused you to suffer. Electronics, relics, literature, jewels, and other priceless possessions may have been lost. As you proceed, take notes on those objects to make sure you have a precise record of what was specifically harmed by the fire.

Your Homeowner’s Insurance Policy Should Be Read And Reviewed

Understanding your coverage can help you be prepared when you meet with the insurance adjuster. If you are aware of and knowledgeable about your policies, you may have a more productive dialogue with them. And if they think you are knowledgeable, they could take you more seriously.

Keep Track of Your Daily Living Expenses While Living Outside

Fire damage restoration costs can be overwhelming; you must keep track of all your expenses so that you can claim it from your insurance provider. Your policy will include a “loss of use” clause, which entitles you to reimbursement for living expenses while you’re out of your home. However, you’re entitled only to additional living expenses—that is, the difference between what it costs you to live on a daily basis at home and what it costs now.

For example, if you ate most meals at home before the fire and regularly spent $300 a week on groceries, but are now spending $400 per week at restaurants, you can claim only $100.

When it comes to the motel bill, however, you can probably claim the whole thing. Even though you can’t live at home, you still have to pay your mortgage, taxes, and insurance.

Preventing Future Fire Hazards

Install A Smoke Alarm

The danger of smoke detector fire and smoke damage may be reduced or eliminated with the help of a working smoke alarm system. Ensure that the batteries are correctly charged and placed into the detector. The bedrooms, corridors, and stairways of your house are some of the ideal locations for smoke detectors.

The smoke detector is a life-saving device that detects and warns when a fire starts. Before you even notice the smoky scents, the alarm is more likely to detect heat and smoke particles. Emergency services can react to the event swiftly thanks to early detection.

Proper Safety Protocols At The Kitchen

Cooking is a leading cause of house fires, making it crucial to take the proper precautions to prevent them. When cooking, it’s important to stay attentive and never leave the kitchen unattended, especially when using the stovetop. If you’re grilling, make sure the barbecue is at least 10 feet away from your home or any nearby trees to reduce the risk of fire. 

Remember, taking simple steps like these can go a long way in keeping your home safe!

Use Portable Heaters Properly

It’s important to keep flammable materials at least three feet away from portable heaters to prevent a fire. This is especially important when it comes to items like clothing and certain liquids, which can be especially dangerous if they catch fire. One helpful feature to look for in a portable heater is a thermostat control function that automatically shuts off the heater if it’s accidentally tipped over while in use.!

Monitor Electrical Malfunctions

Some common electrical issues are signaled by flickering lights, frequent power outages, power surges, burning odors, or worn-out outlets. Though outdated wiring is a common problem with older homes, electrical wiring issues can also be a problem for newer homes. 

Be mindful of overloading your outlets with power devices like your phones, TV, and computer. If you’re experiencing electrical problems, contact an electrician to address the issues and keep your household safe. 

Buy A Fire Extinguisher For Your Home

In the UK, there are thought to be 60,000 residential fires annually that cause property damage, injuries, and even fatalities. A fire extinguisher can assist in reducing damage and preventing a minor fire from growing into a major one when used in conjunction with other fire protection items like smoke alarms and sprinklers.

But it’s crucial to pick the proper extinguisher because different models are made for different kinds of fires:

Foam

May be used on carpets, flammable liquids, and soft furniture. For electrical fires, use CO2.

Water

Designed for flames involving carpets and furniture and free of dangerous chemicals. The broadest spectrum of flames can be put out with powder, but cleanup is the most challenging.

Powder

The largest range of flames can be put out with powder, but cleanup is the most challenging.

Wet Chemicals 

For putting out kitchen fires involving hot cooking oil, use wet chemicals.

A fire extinguisher is a crucial home appliance for protecting your loved ones and your property when used properly and kept in a convenient area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, experiencing fire damage can be one of the most devastating things a property owner may go through. It can have significant economic, emotional, and psychological effects, damaging not only the building’s structure but also personal possessions and important records. 

The aftermath of a fire can leave people feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. However, it’s important to remember that with proper measures, the damage can be minimized and the restoration process can begin. So, if you’re ever faced with fire damage, remember that there is hope for recovery and support available to help you through the process.

Knowing the causes of fire damage can help you to be more careful when dealing with fire. Unfortunately, if you go through one, then try to be as calm as possible and take necessary steps to lessen the damage as much as possible. Contact with your insurance provider as soon as possible. Taking necessary preventive steps can significantly reduce the chances of fire damage. Installing a smoke alarm can also be a big step in preventing fire damage. Having fire extinguishers at bay will help you to tackle the fire. 

A professional fire damage restoration company can help you to assess the amount of the damage, develop a plan of action, and restore your property to its pre-fire condition by working with a professional fire damage restoration company which is reliable and trustworthy. You can determine this by checking for certifications and reviews which lets you know about their past experience making your decision much easier. 

In the wake of a fire, keep in mind that acting quickly and getting expert assistance may make all the difference.