How Do I Determine If My House Is Safe To Stay In After A Fire?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

House fires are devastating. No matter the size of the fire, the damage can be extensive, including structural issues, soot and smoke residue, and other problems. The water used in the fire-fighting process can also leave you with additional damage. 

Once the fire is out, it's time to determine if it will be safe for you and your family to go back into the house to stay. You can talk to fire damage restoration specialists like our SERVPRO of North Nashville team to help you assess the situation.

How Does A House Fire Create Dangerous Living Conditions?

Here are a few of the unsafe conditions a fire can create:

• Smoke inhalation causes more deaths in house fires than the actual fires. Hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide, and phosgene will irritate the lungs and cause confusion and disorientation, making it more challenging to get out of the burning building.
• Smoke fumes are hazardous because they consume or replace the oxygen in the air. Stay as low as possible when escaping the home during a fire so you don't inhale smoke fumes. The contents of smoke can incapacitate or kill those who inhale them:
• Smoke may contain tiny particles of burned or partially burned substances that build up in the lungs and irritate the eyes. Some particles may be toxic.
• Liquid droplets are toxic if inhaled and can be absorbed through the skin.
• Carbon monoxide is present in all smoke and is fatal because it replaces oxygen in the bloodstream. When plastic is burned, hydrogen cyanide is formed, and this gas disrupts cellular respiration, while phosgene is formed by the burning of synthetic, which irritates the eyes and throat and causes pulmonary edema.

• Many house fires won't destroy your entire structure but may lead to smoke and water damage. Smoke can quickly penetrate every other area of your home, leaving thick deposits on furniture and walls. Smoke can also negatively affect your home's structural supports and foundation, making it vulnerable to collapse.
• Water damage is a common consequence of a house fire and is unavoidable. The water used to extinguish the flames is absorbed by building materials, further weakening them and increasing the risk of collapse.
• Never re-enter a fire-damaged building until a professional fire damage restoration team like SERVPRO has inspected it. They will examine the structure to ensure it is safe to enter the building and assess the smoke and water damage once they have verified that the home has not sustained structural damage.

The SERVPRO team is here to help you assess your home environment after a house fire to ensure you and your loved ones are safe.

Why Should I Trust SERVPRO Of North Nashville To Help Me Recover From A House Fire?

You can trust SERVPRO of North Nashville with your fire damage restoration project because our services are second to none!

At SERVPRO of North Nashville, we understand that fire damage is devastating for your home and your family. It's a stressful and confusing time, so you'll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. At SERVPRO, our professionals will treat you with respect and empathy and your home and belongings with outstanding care.

• We provide 24-hour Emergency Service
• We are faster to disasters of any size
• We are locally owned and operated
• We are trusted leaders in the restoration industry
• We employ Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

Our SERVPRO of North Nashville fire specialists are focused on providing the best fire restoration. We formulated our fire restoration process to ensure you and your family are cared for, and we are skilled at restoring your belongings in the aftermath of a kitchen fire. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize unpleasant odors, such as soot and smoke.

You can learn more about SERVPRO fire restoration services by reading our online brochure. We look forward to serving you!

This franchise is independently owned and operated.