Phase 1 – Day 1

Fire losses are traumatic to homeowners and tenants. A loss may require demolition, or may require forensic cleaning, or maybe a combination of both.

Air quality is a major concern. If salvageable contents are to be removed, the insured will be involved, and will not have PPE. Further, they will be seeing the home during the contents removal and unsightly damage affects their morale.

Equipment:

  • Hydroxyl Generator: One per level of the home. Use with Velo air mover.

  • 500 CFM Air Scrubber with Charcoal Filter: One per level of the home.

  • Generator: Needed if no power in the home. Need a small generator, if only using for thermal fogging, need medium if running duct equipment. Need Large if running multiple pieces of equipment.

    • Make arrangements with adjuster and contractor to get temporary power installed. Contractor will get permit. Contractor should set up a 220V plug suitable for our power distribution boxes.

  • Fox Tails: Lambs wool dusters for removing tags.

  • Thermal Fogger: For thermal fogging.

  • Cloth Rags: For corrosion control.

  • PPE: Coveralls, full face respirator or half face with safety glasses, gloves.

Chemistry:

  • Thermal Fogger Chemistry: KBG Thermo55. Fog entire volume airspace all room.

  • Liquid Cleaner: 409®, Vital Oxide, Soap and Water, anything is sufficient for corrosion control.

Procedure:

  1. Remove Source Materials: If fire is localized, surrounding materials affected should be removed or covered with containment, such as cabinets, stoves, melted items, carpet, etc.

  2. Thermal Fogging - Encapsulate Soot in the air. Fog rooms in entire structure.

  3. Initial Soot Removal - Lamb’s wool fox tails are used on all walls, ceilings, and any other surfaces smoke tags are observed. Used mostly for synthetic fires.

  4. Corrosion Control - Faucets, lamps, counters, fixtures, appliances; all to be wiped down using any cleaning solution in a spray bottle, and cotton cloths. Prevents secondary damage due to corrosive nature of acidic soot.

  5. Set Equipment per Floor Level

  • Hydroxyl Generator – Convert Soot in the air.

  • HEPA Air Scrubber with Carbon Filter – Filter soot in the air.

6. Document

  • DocuSketch – Floor Plan; Photos.

  • PuroLogic – Notes; Photos.

  • Video – Allstate especially.

Conclusion:

Day 1 actions mitigate secondary damage and improve homeowner morale. It also improves the air quality for homeowner occupancy during contents removal. When contents are removed, then proceed to Phase 2.