Most house fires start in the kitchen. Cooking is usually the cause of house fires, and cooking fires can do a devastating amount of damage to your kitchen. There are certainly different levels of fire damage, but whether it’s a small or large fire there are certain things you should do before addressing the damage. The best option is to call a trusted fire damage restoration team to take care of the problem. Restoration Now has been the go-to company for handling fire damage in Omaha for a long time now. Before you call us, here are some things to know.

Safety First

Be cautious before reentering your kitchen. Unseen fire damage to the electrical work or gas lines is an extremely dangerous possibility. If the fire department put out the fire and inspector will check for safety issues and let you know when it’s safe to return. If you put out the fire yourself, there may be damage that you’re not aware of. Take precautions by wearing a mask, gloves, pants, boots, and long sleeves when you go back into your kitchen.

Document the Damage

Before you start cleaning make sure to document all the damage. Take a lot of pictures and make a list of damaged items for your insurance claim. Make sure to file a claim with your insurance provider as soon as possible. They should quickly send an agent to make an estimate. Do not start cleaning until the insurance adjuster has evaluated the damage and tells you it’s okay to start cleaning.

Cleaning the Fire Damage

In most cases, it’s best to call a professional to clean up the fire damage. They have powerful cleaning products and know the best techniques to properly restore your kitchen. You can clean up some of the damage yourself if you want as you wait for the restoration team to arrive. If you choose to clean up yourself make sure to follow these tips:

• Do not eat or drink in the damaged area
• Wear protective gear
• Open your windows to air out the smoke odors
• Remove any items that were not damaged from the area
• Dispose of debris and materials that are damaged beyond saving
• Remove drawers and kitchen cabinets to access areas that need cleaning
• Wipe off stainless steel and other metal surfaces
• Use alkaline (soap free) detergent to clean plastic and painted surfaces

The extent of the damage will be the determining factor on whether you can clean yourself or if you should contact a professional restoration team. The damage from fire is rarely contained in one area. Soot often times spreads to other areas of your home, and even gets into your HVAC system. Calling a professional clean up service with the right equipment and knowledge will give you the peace of mind you need after such a traumatic event. Call us today if you’ve had a kitchen fire and need some professional assistance. (402) 502 – 7277