What Can Be Saved After A Fire?

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel via Upsplash

Our blogs feature many tips to avoid fires in your home and business.  So what happens if there is a fire?  Check in with us for the next few weeks for our four-part series of what happens after the fire.

Fires can be devastating to a family, potentially damaging everything in it’s path.  If your home is victim to a fire, you should definitely throw away anything that has been melted, burned or visibly damaged by the fire.  Please note to never throw anything away after a fire without speaking to your insurance company.  A list of items should be made and photographs taken.  This will help with your insurance claim. 

Sometimes it’s difficult to tell what can be salvaged and what can’t.  Here is a quick guide:

 Things to get rid of:

1) Food exposed to fire and heat

It is best to stay on the safe side and discard all food

2)  Fabrics

Any clothing, bedding, carpeting or other fabric that has sustained major burning or charring

3)  Mattresses

Mattresses that have been stained or burned should be disposed of, as they may no longer be structurally sound or contain contaminants.

4)  Medicines and Cosmetics

Contact your doctor immediately if prescriptions have been affected.  It’s best to replace all medication and cosmetics due to the risk of contamination

Things that can often be saved:

1)  Harwood Floors

Unless extremely burned or charred, hardwood floors can often be salvaged and restored

2)  Glass

 If it hasn’t melted it can be salvaged and cleaned

3)  Metal

Most metals can withstand the heat and flames. Items may need to be cleaned

 Our trained technicians can help salvage, restore or disposed of belongings after a fire.  We many be able to save everything, but we can help restore your piece of mind. 

If you need help after a fire, SERVPRO of Norwich-Windham County can help.  Call us 24/7 at 860-887-0447.