Not all Fires Blaze – Some Hide

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Total Loss of Property or Life

There are millions of house and business fires every year. When a fire breaks out, it is simply a matter of time before the fire consumes the entire property. However, if your home or business is exposed to a fire, there are steps to take to ensure that anything that can be saved – is saved. While you first may think of fire damage as an all-consuming event that results in a pile of ashes, there are many types of fire damage from small to massive. Knowing the depth of each type of fire damage can give you guidance on how to deal with the damage to your home or office.

If you experience a fire, or have ever been in a fire, you know the smell; burning, ashy and sickening.

“When my house burned in the early 1980’s I was just a small girl. I can remember the smell of smoke the next day even though my things were not actually enflamed. The smell can be recalled at anytime because it was so horrible.” – Carla

Even though a fire starts in one place, the smoke can penetrate all places and spaces. However, let’s say you are smelling something burning but have no idea what you are looking for. The best way to ease the worry is to do a walkaround inside of your house and try to get as close to the smell as possible. Also, put your hand on the walls everywhere to see if you feel a hot spot. If you feel a hot spot and you smell smoke, you may have an electrical fire getting ready to start. This is the time to call 911. If you get a trained smoke analyst to your property before the fire starts, you may be able to prevent the fire.

Fires are not to be played with or taken lightly. The forest fires of 2016 in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina consumed over 1000 acres of National Forest while consuming hotels, lodges and vacation cabins on its path. The authorities delayed evacuation because they thought the timeline of the fires would be later on. In reality, the wind took a mighty shift and started to accelerate the blaze. Consumer businesses and residential properties alike suffered both fire and water damage. Smoke from the mountain fires was seen in the air as far as 300 miles South of the actual blaze.

To be sure you are safe, always be alert to what you smell, hear and feel. These preventative measures could save your life and your property. If your home or office sustains any fire or water damage, you need to quickly call an expert in fire and water damage to help you save what you can, but your life is the most important thing to save in case of a fire.