Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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When dealing with fire damage, here are some suggested tips to follow from our experts:

1. Safety First: Ensure the area is safe before entering. Be aware of potential hazards like weakened structures, electrical issues, and smoke inhalation risks.

2. Ventilation: Open windows and doors to ventilate the area and help clear smoke and odors.

3. Soot and Smoke: Avoid touching anything, as soot and smoke particles can further contaminate surfaces and belongings.

4. Professional Assessment: Contact our team for a thorough assessment and restoration plan. Once we arrive, we will begin checking for structural damage and inspecting electrical systems.

5. Document Damage: Take photos and list all damaged items for insurance claims.

6. Cleaning: Begin cleaning only after the area is deemed safe. Specialized cleaning products and methods are often required for soot and smoke removal.

7. Avoid Water Damage: If water was used to extinguish the fire, be mindful of potential water damage and mold growth.

8. Personal Safety: Use protective gear like gloves, masks, and long sleeves when handling fire-damaged items.

Remember, each fire damage situation can be unique, so it's important to approach cleanup and restoration with caution while you wait for our SERVPRO fire damage restoration exerts to arrive.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (225) 663-8877

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.

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