1. SAFETY & SECURITY
DRI Clean & Restoration will secure the property via temporary fencing, locks, and board ups to prevent theft or vandalism after a fire has occurred. We will also secure personal valuables and other items which may be salvaged. DRI will make sure the structure is safe for entry and further inspection after the initial loss.
Proper assessment of the type of fire, scope of damage, and extent of any resulting water or mold damage secondary to the fire or smoke loss is of vital importance in the restoration plan.
DRI will contain the property against secondary damage by drying out the structure, removing contents and other items for cleaning or salvage, inventorying the personal property, and documenting the loss for your insurance company. DRI will also remove fire debris to prevent the spread of contamination and isolate non affected sections of the structure.
4. PRESERVATION
Those items which can be cleaned or repaired will be documented and safely removed to our secure off site warehouse for further processing.
The next step is to remove any potential water or mold damage by thoroughly drying out the structure and removing any wet materials such as carpet, pad, drywall or insulation.
A good restoration vendor will assist in arranging all clearances required as a result of the loss. DRI Clean & Restoration can quickly coordinate asbestos, lead, smoke, and mold testing as required.
Wet smoke is the result of a fire that has burnt at a lower heat. Some signature features of wet smoke are: smoldering flames, strong smells, tacky, and easily smudged. Wet smoke can be rather difficult to clean.
Dry smoke is the result of a quick burning fire that is coupled with high temperatures.
Protein smoke is very hard to see and aside from the outlandishly strong smell, the smoke only damages paints and finishes.
Soot is another unfortunate side effect of a fire. When the furnace is set ablaze sometimes fuel oil soot can be the result.
Ozone, O3, often referred to as activated oxygen, contains three atoms of oxygen rather than the two that we normally breathe. Ozone is one of the most powerful sterilizers in the world and can be used to destroy bacteria, viruses, and odors. That fresh clean scent you smell after a rain or lightning storm is often the result of naturally occurring ozone.
So how does ozone work in removing smoke odor from a home or business after a fire occurs? The third oxygen atom in O3 is highly reactive and readily attaches itself to other odor molecules. When contaminants such as odors and/or smoke make contact with ozone their chemical structure is changed to less odorous compounds. As more and more ozone atoms are applied the odor is eventually eliminated or destroyed in a process called oxidation. The remaining ozone reverts back to normal oxygen making it very environmentally friendly to use.
There are two processes for creating ozone. The first involves applying high voltage to a metallic grid sandwiched between two dielectrics. The voltage passes through to a grounded screen or plate creating ozone from the existing oxygen present in the chamber. The second method involves the use of Ultraviolet (UV) light at a wavelength of 254 nanometers while hitting an oxygen atom. Both processes split the oxygen molecules into single atoms which then combine with O2 to form O3.
When the ozone is applied in the environment, it reacts with organic materials such as odors and/or smoke in addition to breaking down thermally. Any residual ozone will revert back to oxygen naturally in about 30 minutes. If ozone is applied properly it will destroy the source of the odor unless moisture or mildew is still present after treatment.
Since some health difficulties such as headaches, sore throats, irritation in the eyes and nose can be possible during an ozone treatment the technician applying the treatment must wear protective gear until after the ozone breaks down. We recommend that the structure is not occupied for at least 24-48 hours after treatment to ensure that the materials have fully broken down into oxygen.
Please note that ozone treatments are not effective in combating mold related issues in structures.
1. Do not attempt to wash the walls or other painted surfaces.
2. Do not attempt to clean or shampoo carpet or upholstery.
3. Never attempt to remove soot from any stainless steel appliance without first applying a silicon based lubricant.
4. Do not attempt to repair or clean any electrical appliances which may have been close to the fire, heat or water.
5. Do not turn on the HVAC system in the structure. Do not open any registers.
6. Do not turn on ceiling fans or other fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
7. Do not touch surfaces with your hands. Soot can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork causing further damage.
8. Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
9. Do not use a vacuum (unless fully HEPA compliant) to remove soot or residue.
10. Never attempt to move or touch exposed wiring in the structure.
11. Never enter or remain in an area where the ceiling is sagging or collapsing.
12. Do not send garments to a standard dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set odors.
1. Limit movement within the structure to prevent soot particles from becoming embedded in upholstery, flooring, and other exposed surfaces.
2. Wear gloves or keep hands clean in order to prevent spreading of soot material.
3. Place clean towels or linens down on flooring in high traffic areas to prevent the spreading of soot to other portions of the structure.
4. Once electricity has been shut off, remove food items from the refrigerator and freezer. Prop open the doors to both. Place charcoal in the unit.
5. Send clothing with smoke damage to a qualified professional cleaner who specializes in smoke damage mitigation.
6. Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves to remove smoke residue.
7. Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet registers to capture any loose soot in the air. Damp double layers of cheesecloth are most effective.
8. Change the filter on your furnace or HVAC system. Do not turn on the system.
9. Clean and protect chrome and Formica surfaces with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
10. Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
11. Discard open food packages as they may be contaminated. Document any items disposed.
12. If the outside air temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
13. Draw the air and dust out by placing a box fan in the window.
14. Always wear a dust mask or other personal protective clothing while in a structure which has suffered a smoke or fire loss.
15. Remove the source of the odor such as un-salvageable debris which contributes to re-contamination of the air.
16. Use ONLY a HEPA vacuum to remove loose soot or debris from furniture, upholstery, and drapes.
17. Call a professional restoration company as quickly as possible. Time is the worst enemy.
ADDRESS
2890 N. Sunnyside Ave. Unit 114
Fresno, CA 93727
CONTACTS
Email: office@drirestoration.com
24/7 Emergency Phone:
+1 (559) 292-1100