SERVPRO Busts the Myths around Fire Damage and Restoration

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO article busts 6 myths about fire damage and the restoration process.

Fire damage myths debunked

Often, people believe that fire damage restoration is too expensive and unnecessary, or they are just unsure about what the process entails. Many myths surrounding this topic must be debunked. In this blog post, SERVPRO of West Fort Worth discusses all the myths about fire damage and restoration so property owners can make an informed decision when faced with these damages.

# Myth 1: Smoke detectors are enough 

Truth: Smoke detectors are effective warning systems in case of fires, enabling a timely exit from the premises and protecting the occupants from potential danger. However, they cannot contain a fire.

Property owners must ensure:

1. Smoke detectors are installed properly and have well-charged batteries.
2. There is an evacuation plan in place for fire damage emergencies. The occupants of a property must be aware of the emergency preparedness plan.
3. Invest in appropriate fire extinguishers or sprinkler systems.

# Myth 2: Sprinklers cause much more damage

Truth: A sprinkler system quickly eliminates the heat and controls the smoke from the fire, limiting the fire damage. 

Facts about the sprinkler system:

1. Sprinkler heads are individually activated by fire temperatures above 155°. The other sprinklers remain dormant unless the fire spreads. 
2. A typical sprinkler discharges 55 liters per minute. A firefighting hose expends up to 750 liters per minute. Any water damage caused by sprinklers is nothing compared to the water damage caused by firefighting hose lines.
3. Property losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared to those without sprinklers. 
4. The combination of automatic sprinklers and early warning systems in all buildings can reduce overall injuries, loss of life, and property damage by approximately 50%.
5. Sprinklers wash the larger particles out of smoke - the biggest cause of fire-related deaths - reducing its density and toxicity. 
6. Fire sprinkler systems are eligible for insurance rate savings and may increase the property value.

# Myth 3: Most fires are caused by electrical malfunctions 

Truth: According to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, electrical malfunctions are neither the leading nor the second largest cause of fire damage. 

Statistically, here are the figures:

1. Cooking equipment is responsible for nearly half of all house fires in the United States. 
2. Heating follows as a far second, causing over 12% of the house fires in the US. 
3. Electrical house fires make up only 6% of the house fires in the US.

# Myth 4: Flames are the biggest threat

Truth: Flames can create havoc, but smoke inhalation is responsible for maximum fire-related deaths. 

Smoke facts:

1. Smoke is composed of toxic chemicals and is easily inhaled, leading to unconsciousness and then death. 
2. Smoke can incapacitate and overpower swiftly, disabling occupants to make it to an otherwise accessible exit. 
3. The synthetic materials in homes are dangerous and produce especially dangerous substances. 
4. 50–80% of fire deaths are the result of smoke inhalation injuries, including burns to the respiratory system.

Myth #5: The odor of smoke never leaves a fire-damaged property

Truth: The key to eliminating the smoke smell is prompt cleaning that prevents permanent damage from seeping into the home. The extent and intensity of smoke are decided by the following factors:

1. Strength of the fire – Larger fires produce more smoke, so the resulting smoke smell will be more pervasive and more intense;
2. Exposure length – The longer the exposure to smoke, the more the smoke odor will have permeate into the household materials;
3. Burned materials – When burned, different materials produce different odors. Some smells such as those from burning synthetic or plastic materials are much harder to remove.

An experienced fire restoration team such as SERVPRO would have the advanced equipment such as nano filters and ozone generators and the expertise to eliminate smoke odor after a fire. With safe and efficient odor removal techniques and cleaning products, the SERVPRO team can bring a property back to its original glory. 

Myth #6: DIY restoration is enough

Truth: For minor and very controlled fires, DIY restoration can suffice. But here are reasons why some things are best left to the professionals:

1. Hidden health hazards: A walk through a fire-damaged property can allow chemically laden soot to get into the eyes and penetrate the skin. Inhalation may lead to health effects in the short term.
2. Special equipment: Soot cannot just be wiped away. Special equipment and methods may be needed to adequately clean up smoke and fire damage. 
3. Loss of contents: There may be salvageable contents that a DIY restorer may throw away mistakenly. Only a professional eye can distinguish between what’s ruined beyond repair and what can be rescued.
4. Time-consuming: Restoring a property to its pre-fire condition is a complicated and tedious task. The entire process involves salvaging belongings, cleaning up, repairing the home structure, and most importantly insurance claims to minimize the financial impact. 

The sooner a professional team begins the restoration process, the sooner life, and the property can get back to normal. Contact SERVPRO of West Fort Worth for all fire damage restoration services.

Why SERVPRO?

# SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Fort Worth, Benbrook, Azle, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

# With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

# The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire regular IICRC-industry certification.

For fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of West Fort Worth today at (817) 560-3086 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com