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Take a look around your home, and make a list of the items that show signs of wear and damage. Maybe your flooring is looking a bit worn in the high-traffic areas. Perhaps some of your windows have begun to leak, and maybe your oven creaks when you open it. Most of these problems can be corrected without you having to outright replace the offending item. You can instead hire a repair specialist and let them work their magic! Choosing repairs and restoration over replacement can save you a small fortune over time, and it is also better for the planet. Learn more in the articles provided here.

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Essential Fire Damage Repair Safety Tips

by Ella Curtis

Cleaning up after a fire is something no homeowner wants to deal with, but everyone should be prepared for in case of an emergency. Before you even enter the building, you should have a good grasp of the steps you need to take to keep yourself and any helpers safe. Here are four essential safety tips for fire damage repair.

Get Clearance Before Entering

Few things can harm the structural integrity of a home or other building like a fire. Even if the building appears to be structurally sound on the outside, it's hard to tell when a support beam or other important structure may be on the verge of failing. You should always get clearance from your Fire Marshal before entering any burned building for repairs.

Wear Personal Protective Equipment

Fire damage repair requires a specific set of equipment. This is not only true for the cleanup, but for your own safety as well. The most important type of PPE to bring to a fire cleanup is a face mask. This will protect you from soot and other particulates in the air that can lead to respiratory problems.

Gloves should also be worn to avoid picking up soot and contaminants on your hands while cleaning. This is a risk because it's easy to absent-mindedly touch your face and eyes while working or wiping away sweat, which presents a health risk.

Limit Movement Throughout the Home

The more foot traffic there is through a burned home, the more contaminants are likely to be released into the air. Limiting movement in a burned building will keep you from inhaling particles that would have otherwise stayed on the floor. If movement through a sooty area is unavoidable, consider laying down a towel or tarp to control the spread of contaminants.

Leave Mold Removal to the Professionals

While fire damage doesn't lead to mold directly, any water that is used to put out the fire can soak into walls, floors, and fabrics in the home to promote mold growth. Mold cleanup is a task that is best left to professionals for your own safety. Black mold releases toxic spores that are difficult to filter out even with a mask and can lead to long-term health issues.

Fire damage repair is never an easy task, but with these tips you can have peace of mind that you are approaching the job safely. However, for the safest and most effective cleanup possible, you should always consider hiring a damage restoration contractor.

For more information on fire damage repair, contact a local restoration company such as Personal Touch Services.

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