Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After experiencing a fire, safety should be your top priority:

  1. Assess Safety: Determine if it's safe to stay in the house. Look out for electrical hazards and potential slip and fall risks.

  2. Exercise Caution: Only undertake activities that are safe for you to perform. Avoid entering areas with significant damage or potential hazards.

  3. Handle Wet Materials Carefully: Wet materials can be extremely heavy. Take caution when handling them to avoid injury.

  4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself informed about the safety of the environment. Follow guidance from authorities and professionals.

  5. Protective Gear: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks, when handling damaged materials to minimize health risks.

  6. Document Damage Safely: Document the damage for insurance purposes, but only if it's safe to do so. Avoid compromising your safety for documentation.

  7. Seek Professional Help: Fire damage restoration is best left to professionals. They have the expertise and equipment to handle the restoration process safely and effectively.

  8. Wait for Clearance: Before reentering the property, wait for clearance from authorities or restoration experts to ensure it's safe.

Remember, your safety is paramount. Take the necessary precautions and seek professional assistance when needed to ensure a safe and efficient recovery from fire damage.



   

 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (508) 533-5305

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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