The Hazards of Fire and Water Damage

According to All-American Fire Safety, 1.6 million U.S. houses caught fire and required the services of firefighters in 2005. Obviously, many Americans are affected by house fires. Besides the trauma of the fire itself, the aftermath can be overwhelming as well as dangerous. Many people are unaware of the threats that exist after a fire from the remnants of the fire as well as the water used to extinguish it.

The biggest nuisance issue people report is the lingering smell of smoke. According to the Chicora organization, records from the 1906 San Francisco fire still smell of smoke today. Systematic, immediate cleaning and perhaps the use of baking soda or activated charcoal will help leach out much of the smell, but it may have even permeated into wood and plastic surfaces, damaging furniture. Furniture that can be salvaged needs to be thoroughly cleaned to eliminate smoke and soot and to avoid permanent staining. The acidic nature of the residue can even etch or permanently tarnish surfaces like chrome and porcelain.

Some results of a fire are more serious than a lingering odor or scratched surface. Electrical systems certainly may be damaged by the tremendous amount of water used to put out the fire as well as the fire itself. Circuits should be checked for moisture before power is restored to the home to prevent another fire. Water may also damage foundations and warp wood over time, so affected portions of the foundation should be carefully examined to see what needs replaced before being closed up.

The excess water must be quickly eliminated; otherwise, mold growth can become a serious health hazard. Effects of different types of mold range from sneezing and itchy eyes to lung damage. If repairs are made over existing water damage that hasn't been properly cleaned up, the mold can thrive in the dark, moist environment behind the wall, silently causing a health hazard in the home.

The regular household items that burned can also contribute to the danger of returning to a damaged home. For example, burning plastic and chemicals in some carpets give off toxic fumes that have been associated with breathing difficulties and long term effects. These fumes may linger until the home is completely flushed with clean air.

These issues don't have to contribute to the trauma of a house fire. The quick, efficient clean-up of a home damaged by fire and water can help limit the loss of time, property and long-term health.