Firefighters are finally winning against the wildfires raging through California. But with 1.25 million acres burned and homes and property destroyed across the state, the claims are sure to follow.
What should you be aware of as the claims start filtering in?
Short of a property burning to the ground, the biggest danger from wildfires is smoke.
Especially when mixed with water, smoke can do a number on electronics. It contains sulfates, chlorides and other particulates that seep into small crevices. If not cleaned off right away, these contaminants cause metal to corrode and rust. This ultimately leads to equipment failure.
The challenge is that smoke damage to technology is not always immediately visible. When a cleaning crew is brought in after a fire, they typically only clean outside surfaces of equipment.
For fire-related technology claims, it pays to bring in specialists. They should be able to:
- Perform accurate testing. A quick “litmus” test can verify the high-level presence of contaminants in a piece of equipment. If this test is negative, a more revealing scientific sample is taken. This deeper test extracts chemicals and determines 1) whether there’s contamination and 2) the degree of the contamination.
- Be thorough. Often there’s more to a disaster site than meets the eye. A full examination of a property can reveal smoke damage that can cause problems and additional claims later.
- Properly clean impacted equipment. Smoke-affected equipment can often be restored, but it needs to be cleaned by trained engineers, not a maid service.
Call TechLoss about your fire-related claim! We’ve worked with luxury homes for years — like those in the California hills. We can assess home theaters, elaborate wiring systems, high-end appliances and more. Our team also understands the sensitive nature of working with celebrities and high-wealth clients.