Fire Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
Water Tips | Fire Tips | Biohazard Tips | Mold Tips
Once your house fire is out, you may be overwhelmed by powerful emotions and the scope of all that needs to be done to begin cleaning up the fire damage and restoring your life back to normal. It can be tempting to try to get back inside your home to take in the scope of the damage and perhaps to grab some essential personal items. But remember to be safe, because the scene of a fire is a dangerous place! For instance, you should not re-enter your home until you are given the all-clear by your local safety authorities. Learn more about preventing, escaping and recovering from a house fire in our blog.
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (860) 633-8791
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.