Experiencing an office fire can be devastating for your business because of the vast destruction it can cause to your property and equipment. Offices contain plenty of electronic equipment such as computers, phones, copy machines, fax machines, and others that can become damaged by fire, smoke, and soot. Even if the fire was contained to a certain area, the smoke and soot can spread to other areas and affect the electronic equipment. As a business owner or manager, you may be anxious to get your business back up and running. However, it is very important to have your electronic equipment inspected for fire and smoke damage before you use it again, even if it appears to be fine.
How Fire and Smoke Damages Electronics
The electronic equipment in an office is often the most important and most expensive equipment in use. It is important to protect this investment by having your electronic equipment inspected and restored before trying to use them again after a fire. The effects of smoke and fire can damage your electronics in the following ways:
- Smoke can damage the electrical components inside computers, copiers, and other equipment with corrosion. Using smoke damaged equipment may cause a short circuit that could lead to a fire.
- Electronic equipment has metal and plastic components that release harmful fumes when burned. Using damaged electronics can reheat these components and cause the release of toxic fumes.
- The damage caused be smoke and fire to your electronics may be internal. Make sure you have everything inspected, even if it looks normal.
Benefits of Inspection and Electronics Restoration
It is discouraging to have your electronic equipment damaged by fire and smoke, but it may be salvageable. A trusted professional that provides fire damage restoration and can help get your damaged electronics back in working order with electronics restoration:
- Turn over all electronic equipment, including anything that was plugged into an outlet, to the restoration service provider. Take a detailed inventory of all the equipment you have turned in.
- These professionals will inspect the inside of your electronics for corrosion, soot, smoke damage, and compromised components. Sometimes they may just need thorough cleaning to start working again safely.
- Certain damaged components can probably be replaced which will save you the trouble of replacing the piece of equipment. Items that cannot be salvaged should be included on your insurance claim.
- These professionals will test your equipment to ensure that it is working again safely before returning it to you.
In the event of an office fire, the safety of your employees should be your priority. Once the fire has been put out, you must contact a fire and smoke damage restoration professional that can help you assess the damage and get your business back up and running as soon as possible. These professionals have the knowledge and the capabilities to restore your fire damaged electronics and save you the cost and hassle of replacement.
