What to Do and Don't Do After a Fire

11/1/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park have specialized fire and smoke damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home.

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

The most important thing is to understand the risk to your safety and health even after the fire is out. The soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick.

Here's What to Do and Don't Do After a Fire.

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 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

DON'T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV, sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair services.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water.  They may be contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.  The wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

If your home or business has been damaged by the fire, you may not know where to turn.  SERVPRO of Lafayette/Moraga/Orinda is here to help restore your property to preloss condition and make it, "Like it never even happened!" We are available 24 hours a day and can have a team of technicians out to your property in no time!

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (925) 299-1323