A commercial fire is a catastrophic event that you hope never happens at your Chicago business. There are many things you can do to prevent a fire, such as have a fire safety plan, train employees and properly store hazardous materials; however, there may come a time when you need to know what to do after a fire. Here are two tips to help prevent fire damage.
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ACTIONS TO TAKE
The first action to take after the fire is gone is contact a professional fire restoration company. Fire and smoke damage are common but you may be surprised by the amount of water damage from the fire hose. Professionals in the restoration business have the expertise to restore as many of your belongings as possible. In addition to contacting professionals, you should do the following:
- Remove excess water
- Remove and prop up wet furniture
- Turn on the air conditioner if it’s summer
- Limit movement in building to prevent soot from becoming embedded in furniture
- Change the HVAC filter
- Place two layers of cheesecloth over return air registers
- These steps will help prevent further damage until professional help arrives.
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ACTIONS NOT TO TAKE
Fire damage to your commercial building can also be minimized by knowing what actions you shouldn’t take after a fire. First, don’t try and wash any walls, furniture or carpets. A professional restoration company will have the right equipment to clean your belongings. Second, electrical hazards are common after a fire so don’t attempt to clean electrical appliances. Third, ceiling fans shouldn’t be used to dry an area because the wiring could be damaged. Finally, don’t send clothing to a regular dry cleaner because this could set the smoke odor in.
As a business owner, you want to prevent as much fire damage as possible. By contacting 1st Choice Solutions, you’ll receive the services you need to get your business running safely again.
