Fire Season Is Here-What You Need To Know #insurance

Over the past several years, almost the entire state of Arizona has been suffering a major drought, making our area more susceptible to out-of-control wildfires. If you add in this winter's hard freeze and little rain, we may very well have the perfect combination for an unusually hazardous fire season.  Fire managers throughout the state are spreading the word on how to prevent this year's wildland fires from spreading to your homes and businesses. Little things like clearing out fuels from around your home and keeping your grass mowed can really help protect your property. Take special care to thoroughly remove extra yard brush, especially buffelgrass, a plant that burns hot and fast, making desert fires even more treacherous.  In the event your property is damaged by fire, be sure to follow these guidelines to help minimize damage: Call your Insurance Company within the first 24 hours of the fire.  They will send out a restoration company immediately. Corrosive fumes and soot from smoke and fire can cause permanent etching in less than 72 hours. If the outdoor temperature is above 60 degrees, open windows and doors to help air out your home and reduce smoke odors. Clean chrome, formica, aluminum and porcelain fixtures to prevent tarnishing and etching. If your furnace uses forced hot air, change the air filter. Tape damp cheesecloth over important documents to capture loose soot in the air. Dispose of any opened packages of food. If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open. Send any clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner for thorough cleaning.

Cleaning Soot It Looks So Easy... After a fire disaster, it's tempting to try to clean the leftover soot yourself. Before you load up with a sponge and a bucket of water, there are a couple of things you should know about cleaning soot off of your belongings. Soot appears dusty but is actually oily and very easy to smear. The  best of practice for removing soot usually involves a high power vacuum and NOT touching the surface with it or any attachments.  Even the slightest touch can grind the oily soot into the surface, causing staining.  It is best to let a restoration company clean any leftover soot. Information courtesy of ServiceMaster AllCare Restoration, Peoria, Az.