What to do and not to Do with Fire Damage

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

When tragedy strikes, people tend to get emotional and do things they wouldn't if they had been in their right state of mind. The best way to eliminate some of these issues, is by practice. Being prepared for emergency situations enhances the likeliness that you will not be at a total loss. Here are a few tips on what to do and what not to do in a fire damage situation:

Do-

• air out the house to reduce the smoke odor
• discard any open food packages
• limit movement in home to prevent soot particles from being integrated into your upholstery and carpeting
• keep hands clean
• place clean towels on carpet to prevent more soiling
• clean and protect chrome with a light coat of vaseline or oil
• wipe residue from porcelain to prevent etching
• if electricity is off, empty refrigerator completely and prop doors open
• wash off house plants on both sides of leaves
• change air filter on furnace
• remove pets to clean environments

Don't-

• attempt to wash walls without consulting SERVPRO
• use any food or beverages in the home as they may be contaminated
• use upholstered furniture
• turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
• attempt to clean carpets or upholstery 
• use electrical appliances withing the home
• send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner
• touch anything

It can be overwhelming to see your home is despair and you want to try to do anything to make the situation feel as if it not so bad. Be sure to contact your local SERVPRO to help lessen your stress. As trained professionals, we are here to help and will try to salvage what we can.