Post-Fire Tips

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

Always call a professional when it comes to fire/soot/smoke restoration!

What TO do, and what NOT to do after a Fire

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

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most predominant concerns.
• Only do necessary activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to Do After a Fire

• Limit movement within the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas to limit the spreading of soot.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash soot off of houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change your HVAC filter, or look into hiring a professional for a duct cleaning.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent soot from traveling.

What NOT to Do After a Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• 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 packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water. Even if they are canned goods.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet because the wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Contact a professional Restoration Dry Cleaning company.

If you or anyone you know runs into smoke/soot/fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Plymouth/Wareham to make it “Like it never even happened.” We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition. Call us at (508) 746-9500.