Smoke and fire hazard is a very real danger, and it occurs more often than you think.
Every business or even a home needs to prepare for any fire or smoke accident. It is always better to ensure all the necessary safety steps have been taken in an attempt to avoid a fire entirely.
Tips on precautions for fire accidents
The most basic step that one should take is to install smoke detectors across the building. It is very important to understand the nature of fire and smoke. A fire will obviously destroy most of the property, but smoke damage is most prominent on papers, books, office documents and other such office material that is highly flammable. Regularly checking your smoke detection system should be a priority in any establishment. If this a business, make sure all the employees know the layout and evacuation plan in case of fire. When everything is going well, a fire drill seems like a waste of time, but that same practice can save lives in a fire situation.
Steps to be taken after fire/smoke damage
Fire/smoke damage restoration is a major task that needs to undertaken once the fire or smoke has been put out.
- After the accident it is extremely important to take fire department/officer’s advice before entering the building.
- Fire and smoke leave a very distinct odor which will most probably need some treatment like thermal fogging.
- Cleaning walls, carpets and other office materials is a very tricky business and will most probably require professional help.
- Turn off all the utilities until the fire department gives a go ahead.
- Salvage any and everything that could be saved after that it is necessary to undergo the painful process of assessing you damage. Insurance will do that, but it’s good to know this on your own.
- Removing water if the fire was put out by it and drying the salvageable material.
- Get a professional to inspect structural damage of your property.