Smoke damage from a neighbor’s fire can seep into your home, causing persistent odors, stained walls, and poor air quality.
This can affect both your living space and your well-being.
Luckily, ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is here to help!
In this blog, we share our top tips for managing smoke damage and reclaiming your space.
Key Takeaways
- If your property has sustained smoke damage from a neighbor’s fire, first make sure everyone is safe, then contact your neighbor and your insurance company, inspect the damage, document the affected areas, protect yourself by wearing PPE, ventilate the affected area, clean up soot and smoke residue, deodorize the space, and replace your HVAC filters.
- Smoke damage is the residue left on surfaces and inside buildings after a fire. It can affect indoor air quality and require expensive repairs.
- If you want to ensure the health and safety of everyone in your home, contact a professional smoke damage remediation company like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore.
Safety Precautions
- Soot can be toxic and harmful to your health, so it’s crucial to limit exposure.
- Always wear protective gear, including gloves, masks, and goggles, when dealing with smoke-damaged areas.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the affected area to reduce inhalation of harmful particles.
- If the damage is extensive, consider relocating until after cleanup.
What to do if You Have Smoke Damage From a Neighbor’s Fire
What to do Right Away:
1. Make Sure Everyone is Safe
If the smoke damage is severe or you or anyone in the household is coughing or having trouble breathing, get out of the house and seek medical attention.
Smoke inhalation symptoms can be sneaky, and getting checked out after even a small fire is critical.
2. Contact Your Neighbor
Next, contact your neighbor to discuss the fire and ask how they’re doing.
The neighbor may be able to provide additional insight into the circumstances of the fire and the damage near your home.
Make sure to exchange insurance information so you’re equipped with all the details you need to move forward.
3. Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as you know that everyone in your home is safe, contact your homeowners or renters insurance company to report the damage and learn what steps you should take next.
If you need help figuring out where to begin, know that restoration companies like ServiceMaster of Lake Shore can help you navigate the insurance claims process and get the coverage you need.
4. Inspect the Damage
Next, look for signs of apparent smoke damage throughout your home.
Signs may include the following:
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or fixtures
- Lingering burnt smell
- Stains or residue on surfaces
- Peeling or bubbling paint
- Increased wear on fabrics or upholstery
- Darkened or charred areas on furniture
- Difficulty breathing or respiratory issues
- Soot deposits around vents or ducts
- Corrosion on metal surfaces
- Persistent odor that won’t go away
5. Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all visible damage, and keep detailed records of all emails and phone calls you exchange with your insurance company and your neighbor.
Cleaning Up Smoke Damage:
1. Protect Yourself
Before tackling the smoke damage, put on protective gear like gloves, a mask, and goggles.
2. Ventilate the Area
Next, you need to start getting rid of the lingering smoke particles.
Open windows and doors to improve airflow and place fans throughout the area, but close the windows if your area is experiencing strong winds that might accidentally bring more smoke inside.
3. Clean Soot and Smoke Residue
- Walls and Ceilings: Use a dry sponge to wipe away loose soot. Follow up with a cleaning solution specifically designed for smoke damage. No matter what you do, avoid using water on soot-covered surfaces, as this can smear the soot and exacerbate the damage.
- Floors and Carpets: Vacuum carpets with a vacuum cleaner equipped with a HEPA filter. Consider professional cleaning for deep-seated smoke particles.
- Furniture and Upholstery: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Professional upholstery cleaning may be necessary for severe damage.
- Clothing and Fabrics: Wash fabrics in a washing machine with an alkaline cleaner or take them to a professional cleaner.
4. Deodorize
To get rid of smoke odors, use an odor neutralizer to eliminate smoke smells.
You can also place bowls of vinegar or activated charcoal around the house to absorb odors.
To eliminate lingering smoke odors, place bowls of vinegar or activated charcoal in the affected areas. You can also rent an ozone generator machine to reduce smoke odors even further.
Pro tip: While DIY methods can help decrease smoke smells, professional deodorization methods usually work even better.
5. Replace HVAC Filters
Once you’ve cleaned up the soot and smoke residue, make sure to change the filters in your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to keep them from re-distributing smoke particles all over the house.
Prevent Future Issues
- Install Air Purifiers: Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to help remove smoke particles from the air.
- Protect Your Home: Finally, install smoke detectors throughout the house and make sure you have fire extinguishers available on each level, as well as in the kitchen and garage. If it’s in your budget, consider adding fire-resistant roofing and siding materials.
- Review Your Insurance Policies: Take this opportunity to revisit your insurance policies and ensure they cover smoke damage. Adjust coverage if needed.
6. Consider Hiring the Pros:
Dealing with smoke damage may seem like a reasonable DIY job, but we don’t usually recommend it.
Because the cleanup process can be complex, dangerous, and challenging, it is smart to hire professionals who know how to manage the risks.
That said, if you decide to take the DIY smoke damage cleanup, here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
Who is Liable for This Situation?
When it comes to home fires, liability often depends on factors like negligence or carelessness.
If the neighbor is found liable for the fire, your homeowner’s insurance may cover the costs of the repairs.
Usually, the company does this by covering your damages first and then trying to secure reimbursement from your neighbor’s insurance if the neighbor is at fault.
If your insurance company doesn’t offer a satisfactory settlement, though, you can also file a claim directly with your neighbor’s insurance.
At Service Master of Lake Shore, we understand that working with insurance companies can be challenging.
Because of that, we’re here to help you work with your insurance company and navigate the process of getting life back to normal after a fire.
ServiceMaster of Lake Shore is Here to Help
If you’ve experienced smoke damage in your home after a nearby fire in the Chicago area, you’ve got to act quickly to protect your family and your property.
While DIY methods may offer temporary fixes, hiring professionals guarantees a safe and thorough fire damage restoration.
Ready to reclaim your space? Contact ServiceMaster of Lake Shore today!
FAQs
Is it safe to stay in a house with smoke damage?
No – staying in a home with smoke damage is usually not a good idea.
Smoke residue can contain dangerous toxins that can cause breathing problems, skin irritation, and asthma attacks.
With this in mind, it’s best to leave the home until it has been thoroughly cleaned and repaired.
How can a neighbor’s house fire affect your property?
A neighbor’s house fire can cause smoke damage in nearby homes and structural damage from heat, embers, and soot.
If the fire spreads, your home could be in danger, too.
What can you claim for smoke damage?
If you have homeowner’s insurance, you might be able to claim costs for smoke damage repairs, replacing damaged belongings, and even temporary housing if you need to evacuate during restoration.
Document the damage well and contact your insurance provider to discuss your coverage options.
