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Jun 18, 2022

Fire Damage Restoration

Dangers Of DIY Fire Damage Restoration

Dangers Of DIY Fire Damage Restoration

When a major disaster occurs, the consequences can be devastating. Whether it is flood damage, mold growth, or a property fire, you will be left to deal with the aftermath and decide how to move forward. You might be tempted to save money by cleaning the house yourself rather than hiring an expert cleaning service. However, fires leave a lot of health risks in their wake. Avoiding contact is safer for both you and your family members. Below are several frequent mistakes people make when cleaning up after a fire without the assistance of skilled restoration professionals.

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Dangerous Environment

Fire is very damaging; the worst of the destruction is frequently not visible right away. As a result, any location that has experienced a fire is inherently unsafe. Building materials that are weak can collapse or crumble. Smoke and soot can irritate the skin and create respiratory difficulties. Working in a fire-damaged area is dangerous for everyone, particularly for those who lack the skills and tools needed to prevent serious dangers. When there is so much that may go wrong, it is best to leave everything to the fire damage restoration experts.

You Could Throw Away Salvageable Items

When you are sorting through your belongings on your own, you can decide that some furniture pieces or even other household things are not worth saving and discard them. But a skilled restoration specialist can help you assess your items with an experienced eye and might be able to save items you might have otherwise thrown away.

Smoke Damage You Can’t Wash Away

It may seem like the smoke and soot particles could simply be wiped away, but that is not the case. To clear traces of soot and smoke damage, you will need specialized tools, otherwise, you risk rubbing the residues deeper into the building. Professional cleanup services can help you restore your clothes and valuables effectively.

Lack Of Manpower To Get The Work Done Quickly

Even though a job related to fire damage restoration appears simple, attempting to do it yourself will prolong the time it takes to recover your home. You should hire experts for a reason, they have the manpower and expertise to restore your home quickly. They have a well-defined restoration technique that restores your house to pre-loss condition efficiently and quickly. They also know how to deal with any issues that may arise.

Forget To Document All The Damages

To receive insurance to cover any damages, you must provide proof of losses and damages. Starting cleanup and clearing or washing anything before such proof is achieved may limit what your insurance would cover. Create a list of your losses, ensure you document any damages, and take photos of the damage to prove it. Before taking any more steps, it is important to wait until an assessment has been completed.

The longer the damage is allowed to sit, the worse it becomes. You risk causing more damage if you don’t have the right tools, training, and expertise. Instead, contact the fire damage restoration experts at On-Site Cleaning. We understand how hard and exhausting this scenario can be, and we are here to ensure the fire damage restoration process is as simple and seamless as possible. Contact us today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, lithium batteries are generally safe when used, stored, and charged properly. They are widely used in smartphones, laptops, electric vehicles, and more because they are lightweight and store a lot of energy.

However, they can become dangerous under certain conditions:

  • Overcharging or using the wrong charger
  • Exposure to heat or direct sunlight
  • Physical damage (like punctures or crushing)
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Poor-quality or counterfeit batteries

If something goes wrong, a lithium battery can overheat, catch fire, or even explode — this is known as thermal runaway.

Yes, a battery can start a fire under certain conditions. This typically happens when:

  1. Short Circuiting: If the battery terminals are connected directly (e.g., by metal), it can cause a short circuit, generating heat that may ignite nearby materials.
  2. Overcharging: Charging a battery beyond its capacity, especially lithium-ion batteries, can cause overheating and thermal runaway, leading to fire.
  3. Physical Damage: Puncturing, crushing, or damaging a battery can release internal chemicals and cause a fire or explosion.
  4. Exposure to High Heat: Placing a battery near a heat source or in direct sunlight for long periods can increase the risk of fire.
  5. Manufacturing Defects: Faulty batteries may have internal issues that can lead to spontaneous ignition.

This is particularly a concern with lithium-ion batteries found in phones, laptops, and e-bikes.

Yes, fire damage restoration services are designed to address smoke odors and eliminate them from your property. Our team at On-Site utilizes advanced techniques such as thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbing to effectively neutralize smoke odors and improve indoor air quality. Additionally, we may recommend specialized cleaning methods and treatments to remove smoke residue from surfaces and materials, ensuring a thorough restoration of your property.

While DIY methods may provide temporary relief, professional smoke odor removal is recommended for thorough and long-lasting results.

Yes, lithium batteries can catch fire even when not in use, although it is rare. This usually happens due to internal faults or environmental factors.

No, lithium batteries do not only catch fire when charging. While charging is a common time for fires to occur—especially if overcharging, overheating, or using a faulty charger— fires can also happen during use, storage, or even when the battery is idle.

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