You've Had a Fire at Your Home or Office: Now What?

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

The fire has been put out and the firetrucks have gone. When you are left to deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home it's hard to know what to do first. Follow these safety tips to keep your family safe and minimize damage to your property:

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 SERVPRO of Hamilton County at 317-773-0422.
• 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.

We know you have questions after a fire. Call SERVPRO of Hamilton County at 317-773-0422 and a restoration specialist will be on site quickly to assess the damage and create a plan to make your home "Like it never even happened." We are available day or night to answer your questions and ease your mind.