Cleaning Smoke Damaged Electronics

7/27/2021 (Permalink)

Can Electronics Be Salvaged After A Fire?

When your business endures a fire in East Mississippi, you may suspect everything, especially the electronics, are unsalvageable. Whether an electrical fire or another kind, there's a chance you can clean some of the damaged electronics to salvage them.

1. Remove the Memory
   You probably can't determine if the equipment is salvageable or not until quite a bit later. Still, you should remove the device's memory to ensure your data stays as safe as possible. Computer hard drives and camera memory cards may be protected from smoke damage.However, they need to be removed and stored safely until someone can inspect them. Even if the equipment itself can't be repaired, you can hopefully retain the critical data.
2. Unplug
   Next, you'll need to unplug your electronic equipment. Electronics that have been exposed to smoke run the risk of starting an electrical fire. Unplugging these devices also reduces the risk of incurring more damage before cleaning.
3. Check Warranties
   Keep all your warranties in a safe and accessible place. Some of your equipment may still be under warranty, as many warranties cover smoke damage.
4. Clean
   It's better to leave cleaning up to fire damage restoration professionals, but you can try it yourself. Similar to computer cleanup, most devices require the removal of the outer casing. Once you inspect the inside, you can see the extent of the damage. You may find damage or just smoke and soot residue. Spraying the area with compressed air could get rid of the contaminants. Also, wipe down all non-electronic areas, such as vents, with a damp cloth.
5. Air Out
   Airing the device out can help dry out any moisture and remove smoke odor. Let it air out for a few days, if possible.
   If your business suffers fire damage from an electrical fire, it's crucial to take precautions when handling your affected possessions. Electronics require extra care, so now you know how to clean them.

Call SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300 for any fire disasters!