3 Steps To Clean Electronics After a Fire

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

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After A Fire, There Are Three Steps To Cleaning Electronics.

Electronics in a structure that has experienced a fire may sustain damage due to direct flame, excessive heat, smoke, or soot. Any damage can increase the risk of short-circuiting and cause an electrical fire. Commercial property owners should turn over electronic appliances and devices to a professional restoration service. Here are three steps professionals take to clean electronics after a fire.

1. Inspect the Appliance or Device

A thorough inspection is the first step toward determining the right treatment for electronics. Unplug the appliance or device before looking for signs of damage. It may not be safe to open the case. Try to get a general sense of whether an item has sustained damage from flame or heat or mainly smoke and soot. This can help to determine whether restoration may be possible or disposal and replacement will be necessary.

2. Identify Heat or Smoke Damage

In general, items damaged by flame or heat may appear melted, scorched, or warped. Electronics exposed to soot or smoke will be dusty but intact. To avoid an electrical fire, it is advisable to have a damage restoration service undertake restoration. These experts can perform cleaning and restoration or data recovery and backup at an off-site facility.

3. Attempt to Clean Damage

It may be possible to clean off a layer of black film covering internal electronic components. This residue consists of smoke, soot, and dust. Computer cleanup experts have the equipment and expertise necessary to achieve the best results. Owners may cause more damage and eliminate any possibility of data recovery with an unsuccessful cleaning attempt.

Some electronics may be ruined or still pose an electrical fire risk. A restoration company can try to salvage data or help a property owner provide proof of loss to an insurer. Work with a service that specializes in cleaning electronics after commercial fires in Punta Gorda, FL.