Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should always be SAFETY:

Is it safe to stay in the house?
Be aware that electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only perform activities if safe to do so.
Wet materials can be extremely heavy. Be careful when lifting or moving items!

Limit movement within the home. This will prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
Protect rugs and upholstery and by placing clean towels or old linens on top of them.
If electricity is off, empty freezers and refrigerators and prop doors open.
Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly.
Thoroughly wash houseplants.
Change HVAC filter.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent further movement of soot particles.

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. Specialized cleaning is required.

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.

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.