3 Surprising Facts About Fire Damage

Fires are scary and life-altering when they tear through your home. The loss from fire damage can be extensive, whether contained in one room or spread into other areas. Yet, fire damage isn’t limited to the flames; it involves smoke, structural issues, and firefighting methods. 

Unfortunately, your fire damage insurance provider can make a stressful situation even more challenging. So, to better understand fire damage and how much your insurance covers, let’s look at three surprising facts you may want to know.

Summer is the Peak Month For Fire Damage

There are many fire risks no matter the month; however, summertime is the peak fire season. Summer activities such as BBQing and grilling, campfires, and summer storms increase the risk of fires, leading to devastating fire damage and loss of life.

Some common summertime fire culprits include:

• Discarded or unattended cigarettes
• Natural gas or propane fires from BBQs or improper storage
• Lightening strikes
• Unattended campfires or cooking appliances
• Arsen

Even increased air conditioning use can increase fire risk if improperly installed and maintained. 

Smoke Damage is Toxic and Difficult to Clean

Anyone who has ever burned something on the stove knows that smoke lingers annoyingly. Flapping a t-towel over the smoke alarm may get the loud beeping to stop, but the odor sticks around, sometimes for days. Amplify this effect from a more significant house fire, and you know there is a severe problem beyond the flames.

Containing a fire to one area or room is possible, but the smoke it creates will permeate the entire house. Smoke knows no boundaries and finds its way into walls, insulation, flooring, fabrics, and clothing. It isn’t a matter of simply opening doors and windows to air out the space, either. The burning smell saturates everything and requires professional cleaning to remove.

Fire Suppression Methods May Result in Water Damage as Well

When fires get dangerously out of hand, calling 911 for help brings firefighters and all the equipment necessary to extinguish the flames and save lives. Their goal is to remove anyone from inside the building and contain the fire, minimizing damage using whatever tools and techniques are available. 

Fighting your fire may include:

• Water
• Fire retardant
• Axes, shovels, ladders
• Pumps, hose, nozzles
• Large equipment like helicopters, bulldozers, and firetrucks

The most common firefighting method is water, suppressing and smothering the flames, getting everywhere. So water damage usually follows, making an even larger mess. 

Contacting Your Insurance Provide Right Away Is Important

Once the flames are out and everyone is safe, contacting your home insurance provider is essential. Notifying them kicks your fire damage insurance into action, and they will give you specific instructions for what to do next.

You must not begin removing items or altering the scene until the insurance adjuster has a chance to inspect the damage and take photos. You should start retrieving items only when they give you clearance because it can significantly affect your claim, even voiding it if the insurance company feels you are interfering or dishonest. 

Don’t Tackle Your Fire Damage Insurance Claims Alone

Thankfully, you don’t have to face the loss from fire damage alone. While insurance companies try to make the claim process easy, they may undervalue or miss vital information that could lower your payout. Now, you can rely on the professional adjusters at TSO Adjustment Service in Fort Washington, PA., to act as an intermediary between you and your insurance company.

Their friendly, knowledgeable staff will ensure you are adequately represented and optimize your insurance payout. Focus on rebuilding and recuperating from your house fire without the added stress of insurance negotiating.

Put TSO into action! Schedule your consultation online or call 215-886-7440 today!