What To/Not To Do After a Fire

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

What to/Not to do After a Fire

In any situation involving a fire, your first priority should be safety. Fires can be extremely devastating, and SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County is here to help with tips on what to do and not to do after a fire.

What to Do After a Fire

• It is important to limit movement within your home or business. This prevents soot particles from becoming embedded into carpets and upholstery.
• Keep your hands clean so you do not dirty any upholstery, rugs, and carpet.
• Place clean linens or towels on high traffic areas to prevent the spread of soot.
• If your electricity is shut off, empty out your freezer and refrigerator while keeping the doors propped open.
• Clean and protect any chrome by coating lightly with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash both sides of leaves on any houseplants.
• Make sure to change your HVAC system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT to Do after a Fire

• Do not attempt to clean or wash any walls or painted surfaces by yourself. Instead, call SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County for professional fire damage cleaning.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting proper professionals, as these items can be dangerous when damaged.
• Do not use any canned or packages food product or beverage that may have been stores near fire, heat, or water. Instead, discard of these products as they can be dangerous to consume.
• Do not turn on any ceiling fans as they can be dangerous if the wiring is damaged.
• Do not send your garments to a regular dry cleaner as improper cleaning may set smoke odor into the garments. Instead, find a cleaner that specializes in fire and smoke damages.

Make sure to call SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County if you have experienced a fire in your home or business. We are here to help you get back to normal!