Safely Returning to Your Property After a Fire

Kristen Schmitz • March 1, 2023

A fire in your home or business can be destructive and, in some cases, lead to a total loss. Damage to your property’s structure and the belongings inside can be caused by the flames, heat, water, and smoke. Once you are given the "all clear" to go back into the property, it’s important to know what you should look for both outside and inside to ensure your safety.

 

General Safety Tips for Returning to Your Property After a Fire

 

There are still risks to your health and safety even after the fire is out. Seek the advice of your local fire department, restoration specialists, building officials, and insurance agent before returning to your property and starting to clean or make repairs. Below are a few general safety tips:


  • Do not clean ash and fire debris until professional hazardous material cleanup services are secured. Seek professional fire removal and restoration services.
  • Check propane tanks for visible damage before turning them on.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Take note of any slip, trip, fall, or puncture hazards.
  • Wear sturdy shoes, protective gear such as gloves and goggles, and a face mask when sorting through belongings. Anything that has come into contact with ash should be cleaned and sanitized. Change your shoes and clothing before leaving the affected property to avoid tracking ash and other debris into your car and elsewhere.
  • Hazardous chemicals and conditions may still be present. Do not eat, drink or breathe in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put the fire out.
  • Children and pets should not be in the vicinity while cleanup is in progress due to the potential risk to their health, as well as their ability to spread ash and other debris outside of contaminated areas.

 

Water Safety When Returning to Your Property After a Fire

 

If you have been told or suspect that the water in your home or business is contaminated after a fire, do not use it to wash dishes, prepare food, make ice, brush your teeth, wash your hands or perform any other activity you’d normally use water for. While your property is being restored, you can safely use bottled, boiled, or treated water for personal hygiene, drinking, and cooking.

 

Your Fire Cleanup and Restoration Professionals

If you have experienced a fire, it is important to consult a fire restoration service professional for repair and restoration of your home or business. Guarantee Restoration Services is home to a team of certified professionals who address the effects of fires on homes every single year. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.

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Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas

By Shawn Folks • February 5, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein, Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Expands Leadership Role as Managing Partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration in Austin, Texas BATON ROUGE, La. – February 5, 2025 – Guarantee Restoration Services has entered into an agreement to serve as the managing partner for W.B. Arthur Restoration, a leading restoration and facility maintenance provider in Austin, Texas. This partnership marks a significant step in Guarantee Restoration’s ongoing expansion throughout the South and Gulf Coast region. Guarantee Restoration Services will oversee management operations in Austin, working closely with W.B. Arthur Restoration to enhance systems, streamline processes, and position the company for long-term growth. This collaboration reinforces Guarantee Restoration’s commitment to delivering industry-leading restoration services, while expanding its footprint across new markets. “We’re embarking on a remarkable journey that will create new pathways for innovation, growth, and leadership in the marketplace,” said Shawn Folks, CEO of Guarantee Restoration Services. “Our people are the reason we are able to form these types of partnerships. I’m excited to see where we go from here.” This strategic partnership aligns with Guarantee Restoration’s pattern of growth across the Gulf South, having established a strong presence in six markets across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. By bringing its expertise in restoration management to W.B. Arthur Restoration, they aim to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery in the Austin Metro Region. About W.B. Arthur Restoration W.B. Arthur Restoration provides a wide range of property maintenance and restoration services, including water damage restoration, facility maintenance, air duct cleaning, and carpet cleaning. Serving the greater Austin Metro Region, W.B. Arthur Restoration is dedicated to ensuring homes and businesses receive the highest level of care, even in the most difficult-to-reach places. About Guarantee Restoration Services For over 50 years, Guarantee Restoration Services has been a trusted name in the restoration industry, consistently expanding its services and market presence along the Gulf Coast. The company’s mission is to support communities in need by offering reliable restoration solutions, maintaining honest and dependable service, and ensuring stability for businesses and homeowners. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit http://www.GuaranteeRestoration.com /.
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