Electronics in the Aftermath of a Fire

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

How does smoke damage electronics?

How Can Smoke Damage Electronics?

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 2019 saw firefighters responding to approximately 1.3 million fires, resulting in an estimated 14.8 billion dollars of damage. About 26% of these took place in home structures. Such events can be devastating, wreaking havoc. They can also be milder, depending on severity and response time. The contents of impacted buildings may suffer smoke damage along with scorching or burning. This may lead to a need for the services of a professional cleanup and restoration company in Rosedale, NY. One category of possessions that may be of special concern during fire cleanup is electronics, which are generally rather pricy and often more difficult financially to replace.

What Should You Do With Electronics After a Fire?
In order to minimize damage to devices like smartphones, laptops and hard drives, there are some tips you may want to follow during fire cleanup:

• Unplug any electronics and appliances
• Do not turn any of them on to avoid shorting out from water or too much soot
• Wipe residue off of the devices' surfaces
• Consult a professional for an assessment of any damage done
  

What Effects Does Smoke Have on Electronics?
When soot covers electronic gadgets, it can cause overheating, which can, in turn, lead to premature failure. The acidity in this substance may also corrode metal parts, leading to discoloration and a shortened lifespan. Smoke may also cause circuit shortages.

Can Electronics Be Saved After Smoke Exposure?
This depends on the severity of the harm done. In many situations, they can be preserved, but they need to be fully dry first. Swift action raises the likelihood of their survival. Even if one appears to be okay, the inner parts may still have sustained harm, so it is important not to simply assume they are fine because there are no outward signs of negative impact.
During fire cleanup, it is important to be cautious with electronics. Professionals know how to and have the equipment to properly clean your devices without causing further damage.