A small fire in an apartment building that you manage may seem like a small problem. For the safety of your tenants and for the building itself, it's important to make sure all damage is properly fixed. Knowing what to do following the fire can help avoid more severe damage down the road.

1. Respond to Immediate Health and Safety Issues

The building will need to be inspected by the fire marshal or similar following a small fire. This ensures that there is no damage that could impact the health and safety of the tenants, such as damaged support beams or revealed asbestos. If there are issues, you should request a list of them so you can use it to schedule the proper restoration services before allowing tenants to move back in. 

2. Check All Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Many small apartment fires happen in the kitchen, which also happens to have both plumbing and electrical systems running through it. It's vital that these systems are inspected to make sure neither the fire nor the fire suppressants used caused any damage. It's not uncommon for a secondary fire to occur following the first, often due to shorts in the electrical system caused by the initial fire. Fire near plumbing pipes can also damage them, which can lead to water leaks later.

3. Begin the Drying Out Process

Mold often follows on the heels of a fire. Water used to douse the flames soaks into drywall, seeps behind cabinets, and drenches carpeting. Prompt restoration can solve this. A service will use industrial fans and powerful water extractors to remove as much moisture as quickly as possible. Doing so can help save materials as well as prevent the growth of mold. 

4. Schedule an HVAC Inspection

Smoke and soot can get into the air vents and HVAC system, which means that the odors and oily soot residue can travel into other apartment units in the building. Have the HVAC system inspected and the ducts cleaned. You may also need to replace the filters throughout the system, as they can be clogged with fire residue.

5. Repair All Damage Immediately

Don't put off damage repair. Not only may prompt repair be necessary due to tenant laws, but it also prevents damage from becoming worse. Replace damaged carpeting and wallboards before allowing the tenants to move back in. If you try to put it off until they move out, you are giving mold and mildew a chance to take over in the unit. 

Contact an apartment restoration service for more assistance.