Fire Damage in DC? Here’s What You Should Know Fire Damage in DC Having a fire is one of the most devastating events that can happen to a family. Not only could you be out thousands of dollars in lost property, but you are also putting your health at risk. Washington, DC, experiences thousands of fires a year, and the fire damage in DC costs home and business owners millions. In this article, we will go over the dangers of fire damage. Also, we will cover ways you can prepare your home and methods to clean up after the fire. The Structure of Your Property Matters A significant way a fire can cause severe damage is through structural damage. Structural damage occurs when a fire begins to eat away at the foundational skeleton of your property. Indeed, this eating away causes collapsed walls and structures and, in some cases, the complete collapse of the property. Fast response is key to preventing structural damage. We recommend having reliable smoke alarms and having a sprinkler system throughout your property. Water Matters One problem many people don’t think about is water damage. Indeed, water damage can cause a massive list of problems. For one thing, water can cause damage to property, including furniture, floors, and clothing. Also, water can cause mold to grow in your property, which can lead to a multitude of health issues. If you experience water damage due to fire damage in DC, give us a call at DC Water Restoration. Here at DC Water Restoration, we provide industry-leading service when it comes to fire damage. No matter what day or what time, we can offer emergency services in as little in 60 minutes. Smoke Kills After the firefighters extinguish the fire, your problems are only beginning. Smoke is dangerous to you and anyone that comes to your property. For instance, prolonged exposure to smoke can cause lung irritation and pain. If you have asthma, prolonged smoke can cause severe damage that will lead to hospitalization. Also, smoke can cause eye and skin irritation that leads to itching and inflammation of the affected area. An important thing to note is the irritation generally won’t be relieved through lotion or drops due to the presence of smoke particles. Asbestos Fire damage in DC may sometimes come with some different consequences. Washington, DC, has hundreds of buildings built before the 1980s. These buildings could have been constructed with asbestos. Asbestos is a compound the makes up materials used in buildings. Scientists then discovered asbestos could cause cancer. When a fire strikes a building, asbestos particles spread throughout the home and can affect you or your friends and family. Don’t Let Time Get Away from You The best way that you can prevent property damage and avoid occurring massive costs is speed. The faster you can respond to the damage to your property, the less there will be. If you experience fire damage in DC, be sure to give us a call at DC Water Restoration.