How To Deal with Smoke Damage from Nearby Fires | SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

Can smoke spread from nearby fires into my home?

Even the smallest of fires can create large amounts of smoke damage, and that damage isn’t just confined to the area of the fire. Fires can spread smoke for miles, so even that little fire a few doors down could cause smoke damage in your home. If your home or business has suffered smoke damage because of a fire near you, there are some steps you can take.

• You should first speak with your insurance agent to discuss how damages will be covered. Smoke damage is often covered by most insurance policies, but be sure to check yours and improve your coverage if needed.
• Be sure to thoroughly document damages by noting the date of the fire, location, types of damages and losses, injuries, and description of damages. Make sure to include images of all damage as well.
• It is also important to understand that even though some items may not appear smoky, they may still need to be replaced. Electronics can make this especially difficult. Smoke can easily enter through the vents of electronics causing internal damage that may not be visible externally.
• After you have documented damages, turn the rest over to professionals. There are often dangers associated with cleaning soot and ash from items that professionals know how to deal with. Smoke can very easily spread throughout your home if you aren’t careful, and some items need specialized cleaning to remove tough soot stains. Your technicians will have the right gear to deal with these dangers and protect your belongings.

Many factors go into determining the extent of damage, and without the experience and knowledge that comes from professionals, certain damages may be overlooked. If you are unsure whether or not items can be saved, a fire restoration specialist can help you determine the extent of the damage.  If you notice a fire near you, take steps to keep your family, friends, employees, and others safe first, then call the proper emergency authorities. When it has been determined safe for you to return to your property, call your insurance company and SERVPRO® of South Mecklenburg County to make it "Like it never even happened."