Can Any Food Items Be Saved After a Fire in North Syracuse?

9/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage in your home can be hard to clean up. Contact SERVPRO for professional remediation services.

Heat Can Compromise Food Safety – SERVPRO in North Syracuse Can Help You Decide What Needs to Go

Whenever a house fire happens in North Syracuse, one of the main risks is trying to salvage food items that may be fire damaged. Tainted food cannot be saved, but our fire restoration technicians can help determine what has not been affected by the fire.

What Does High Temperatures Do to Food Items?

High temperatures can cause fire damage in North Syracuse to groceries even when the item looks undamaged. Contaminants may be present in what looks like a perfectly fine can of tomatoes or jar of peaches. Tiny cracks can develop in high heat that allows contaminants to enter the product. Extreme heat can cause sealed products to spoil later on, even though they are still “safely” sealed. Plastic containers can melt, or hazardous chemicals in the packaging can leach into the food as a result of intense heat. 

What Additional Problems Can Occur with Food Items?

Smoke residue and soot can spread throughout a home quickly, even if the fire is contained to one room. Chemicals from fire extinguishers can contaminate boxed goods and fresh items. Anything left out like fruits and vegetables should be tossed. They cannot get washed and salvaged. Plastic wrap and cardboard boxes cannot protect food even if it hasn’t been exposed to the high temperatures. Soot contains any toxic material it came in contact with as the fire burned. These end up in food products that may look safe.

What About the Food in My Fridge?

Although your refrigerator has a seal to keep the cold air inside it may not be enough. If you refrigerator is still running, do not open it until our SERVPRO techs arrive. They can inspect the appliance and help you decide if the food inside is safe to eat.

It is always better to err on the safe side and throw any foodstuff out that is questionable. Our fire damage experts can help you make wise choices. Contact SERVPRO of North Onondaga County at (315) 457-3432 for professional fire restoration services.

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