Fires can destroy a home or business. In 2015, there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. And these fires caused 3,280 civilian deaths. So we know the danger of fire in addition to the damage it can cause. One thing many people don't talk about, however, is smoke damage from fires. In fact, smoke — not burns — is the leading cause of fire death. So it's important to understand smoke damage and how to handle it.
Smoke is made up of carbon monoxide, a gas that can be lethal to humans, as well as carbon dioxide and soot. That's not all, of course. Depending on what is on fire in a home or business, there are additional toxins that may be released into the air and breathed by occupants. While smoke damage from fires is most evident in places where the flames themselves were, smoke damage patterns are often erratic. Depending on airflow, smoke damage has been found in ductwork, in spaces that seem to be closed (dressers or desks), and behind drapes or on blinds in rooms far away from where the fire actually took place.
Smoke is also found in places like walls that haven't been damaged by flames at all. And while experiencing a fire can be devastating for families or a business, there's still a lot at stake after the flames are extinguished. Your cherished possessions and memories, for example. As fire restoration experts, Paul Davis specializes in soot and smoke damage, too. Because when it comes to dealing with fires and smoke, this is no time for second best.
Working with a company that understands smoke and fire damage restoration is imperative to getting back home or back to work as quickly as possible. That's because only an expert will know how to help you prevent further damage while minimizing the cost of fire and smoke damage to your home. Paul Davis is available 24/7 for emergency services, and technicians can be onsite promptly to assist with:
- Rapid damage assessment, pretesting and estimates for cleanup and restoration
- Emergency board-up and structural stabilization
- Environmentally friendly methods for cleaning soot and other residue from fire damage
- Smoke odor removal, sanitation and air purification
- Careful removal and securing of damaged household goods, personal possessions and other contents for cleaning and restoration
- Industrial-grade water extractors, dehumidifiers, air movers and other equipment used to efficiently remove water resulting from fire extinguishing efforts
If your home or business has fallen victim to fire, don't wait to repair the damage. Paul Davis can get your property back to normal faster. Our specialized training, cleaning methods and equipment combined with our experience means quicker cleanup and lower smoke damage restoration costs. And we'll assist with the insurance claims process to make it as painless as possible for you.
