Salvaging Items After a House Fire: What You Need to Know

4/28/2023 (Permalink)

Experiencing a house fire can be one of the most heartbreaking events imaginable; the devastating effects can take an emotional toll on your life. When a fire occurs, it is important to focus on safety and evacuation. Once you and your loved ones are safe, the focus shifts to what can be salvaged from the damage.

It is essential to understand that fires can cause different types of damage, including heat, smoke, and water, which can permanently damage your personal belongings. Let's take a closer 

look at what items can be saved and which ones cannot.

What Can Be Salvaged?

• Electronics: This includes items like televisions, computers, and gaming systems. These items can suffer extensive damage from heat and smoke exposure, but a professional can often restore them to their original state.
• Furniture: Wooden furniture is relatively easy to restore if it sustains smoke damage; however, upholstered furniture is more difficult to salvage. Depending on the damage level, replacing the upholstery may be necessary.
• Clothing: Clothing can be saved if it has not been burned or contaminated by smoke, mold, or mildew. Dry cleaning and special cleaning techniques can restore clothing and other textile items.
• Art and photographs: Fire can cause significant damage to artwork and photos, but a professional can preserve these items through specialized drying and cleaning techniques.

What Cannot Be Salvaged?

• Food: Any items not sealed in airtight containers will be contaminated by smoke and unfit for consumption.
• Medication: Excessive heat and smoke can damage medications and make them unsafe to take.
• Cosmetics: Cosmetics will absorb the smoke and may cause skin irritation or other allergic reactions.

Fire Damage Repair and Restoration Services in Suffolk County, NY

Seeking professional fire damage repair and restoration services can help minimize the overall impact of the disaster and get you back on your feet in no time. Contact SERVPRO of Oakdale today to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.