Fire can wreak serious havoc on your property. The damage often left in its wake is enormous, and restoration can therefore be a daunting task. The heat isn't the only harming agent during fires. Smoke, soot and even the water used to combat the fire may also damage your property. Once the flames go out, there are a number of things you can do to minimize damage to your stuff and jump-start the restoration process. If you are a homeowner and you've experienced a fire, here are some tips to consider when bringing your home back into tip-top shape.

Put your safety first.

A fire can seriously compromise your home's structural integrity. Even if your house still stands after the fire, don't just rush in. Instead, contact the nearest fire department so that they may determine whether or not it's safe to return. The fire may not be completely put out, or your home may be liable to collapse at any moment. When entering your home, appropriate safety gear should be worn. Heavy duty gloves are essential to protect your hands from heat, as many items retain enough heat to burn you. Safety goggles and a face mask will protect your eyes and respiratory system from smoke or soot since they are serious health risks. Certain practices are paramount while inside to ensure your safety. For instance, never plug in any electrical appliance after a fire since the electrical systems may be damaged.

Carefully assess the damage.

In the rush to save their belongings, many homeowners tend to overlook items that don't show any visible signs of damage. Dishes and eating utensils are some of the most overlooked items. You shouldn't retain such items because 'they don't look too bad'. Even slight burns on your plates and spoons may contaminate them, so using them is a serious health hazard. Ensure your property is inspected by a fire restoration damage contractor to determine if it's safe to retain. Another common mistake is overlooking water damage. Water used to put out the fire may saturate furniture, carpets and other items. Use dehumidifiers and air movers to dry them quickly because mould colonies may begin to grow just in a day or two.

Plan ahead and fireproof your home.

It's good to plan ahead and prevent any future occurrence of fire once you realise how devastating it can be. While rebuilding or restoring your home, outfit the corridors or ceilings with fireproof lining to prevent future spread of fire. Stone wool based insulation boards are a good place to start. Also take time to install smoke alarm systems that will alert you whenever there's smoke and enhance speedy putting out of fires.