Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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When a fire disaster affects your home or business, we understand that you would want to salvage your most prized possessions, but your primary focus should be safety.

You should ask yourself if it is safe to stay in the house, or if it would better to find somewhere else to stay until the fire cleanup and restoration process is done. You should also make sure that the electricity is turned off, since electrical hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. After the fire department leaves, make sure you don’t slip and fall. Remember it is dark, wet and very dangerous inside. Don’t overexert yourself by trying to salvage your furniture. Wet materials can be extremely heavy, so be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (678) 432-3003

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.