Fire Prevention & Cleanup: What to Do Before You Turn on the Furnace
As temperatures drop in October, we start turning on furnaces, lighting fireplaces, and spending more time indoors, all of which increase the risk of a home fire. This month, which includes Fire Prevention Week, is the ideal time to focus on safety and preparedness.
For homeowners, fire damage is particularly devastating because it involves more than just burned materials. It includes corrosive smoke damage and pervasive odors. Here are two critical steps for prevention and two essentials for post-fire recovery.
Prevention Checklist
Inspect Your Heating Systems
Your furnace, chimney, and fireplace are often dormant all summer, and the first use of the season can pose a risk if maintenance has been skipped.
- Furnace: Have a licensed HVAC technician inspect your furnace annually. They look for gas leaks, faulty wiring, and blocked vents that can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or fire. Change your air filters to ensure clean airflow and reduce strain on the unit.
- Chimney & Fireplace: Soot and creosote buildup in chimneys are highly flammable and cause chimney fires. Schedule a professional chimney sweep to clear debris before you light that first cozy fire of the season.
Update Your Smoke & CO Alarms
Smoke detectors save lives, but only if they are functional. Fall is the perfect reminder to check and refresh your alarms.
- The Battery Test: Test all smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors monthly. In October, replace all batteries to ensure they last through the high-risk winter months.
- Placement Matters: Ensure you have working alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside sleeping areas. Replace any alarms that are over ten years old, as their sensors degrade over time.
Post-Fire Cleanup Essentials
If a fire occurs, the damage can be extensive, requiring specialized cleanup.
Address Soot and Smoke Damage Immediately
Soot is more than just black residue; it’s a highly corrosive, acidic substance that spreads easily.
- The Danger: Within hours, soot begins to permanently stain and degrade materials, including plastics, metals, and fine finishes. It also carries a host of health risks if inhaled.
- Why Call a Professional? Do not attempt to wipe down soot yourself! Improper cleaning pushes soot particles deeper into materials, causing permanent damage and spreading the odor. Professional fire cleanup uses specialized chemical sponges, industrial vacuums, and air filtration (air scrubbers) to safely remove corrosive soot without causing secondary damage.
Eliminating the Lingering Odor
The pervasive, smoky odor is often the last and most stubborn part of fire damage. It can linger for months or years if not properly treated.
- The Challenge: Smoke particles penetrate porous materials like drywall, wood, carpet, and fabrics. Masking the smell with air fresheners does not eliminate the source.
- The Solution: Professional disaster restoration companies use advanced techniques like thermal fogging or ozone treatment. These processes penetrate the same materials as the smoke, neutralizing the odor-causing particles at a molecular level, ensuring the smell is truly gone, not just covered up.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Taking preventative steps now is the best investment you can make in your family’s safety and your home’s integrity. And if a fire does happen, remember that rapid, professional cleanup is the key to full restoration. If you experience a fire, call Royal Plus Disaster Cleanup! (866) 404-7587
Recent Comments