Fire Safety: What to Do Until Help Arrives

9/28/2022 (Permalink)

You can help minimize fire damage!

If your property has undergone fire damage, there are a few precautionary measures you can take while waiting for SERVPRO to arrive.

What to Do:

• 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 the freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What Not to Do:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your local SERVPRO.
• 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 the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Never do anything that could put yourself or others in harm's way. SERVPRO will be there as soon as possible to restore your property to its pre-fire condition.