Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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What To Do After Fire Damage

After a fire, homeowners need to make calls to authorities that can help. First, you will need to contact your insurance company to determine what is necessary for a damage claim to get started. Secondly, call our professionals to begin an inspection. We work with your insurance adjuster directly to save time and money. Because we are a preferred vendor for insurance work, we can start processes immediately to protect the house and document loss and damage for the claim. 

DIY Cleaning for Your Home 

Many mistakenly believe that DIY cleaning is possible. Not only will your insurance provider not authorize unlicensed and uncertified individuals to conduct cleanup and repairs after a fire, but you should also be mindful of the risks involved. FSRT-Certified technicians of our roster are prepared to face several hazards present after extinguishment, which can limit the cleaning capabilities of amateur restorers. If you are still considering DIY cleanup, note these issues:

  • Poor air quality
  • The small scope of possible work
  • Improper cleaning requires demolition
  • Unsafe conditions in the house

Steps To Help the Restoration Process

Finding safe ways to be helpful after fire loss incidents is challenging. In many cases, the best thing to do is step back. There are many unknown and unsafe variables to the recovery process, making it better to keep your family away from these possible threats until SERVPRO professionals resolve them.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (718) 750-9455

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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