Fire Damage - What to do Until Help Arrives

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a fire loss, here are some things to do and things to avoid

Things to Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely, and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Things Not to Do:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Allen.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Allen.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water (they may be contaminated).
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Call SERVPRO of Allen for all your fire and soot damage restoration needs! 469-247-4429