Fire Damage Tips- What to do before help arrives

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

It's important to know what you can do and what not to do before help arrives.

What to do until help arrives, after you've had a fire.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?

• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.

• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call 845-831-3600

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.

• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.

• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.

• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.

• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.

• Change HVAC filter.

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.

• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.

• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.

• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.

• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Western Dutchess is available 24/7 to provide emergency fire services, board-up services & reconstruction services to help make your damage "Like it never even happened."