Ask The Experts: The DO & DO NOT'S of Fire Damage

1/29/2021 (Permalink)

Once the fire department leaves, your home may suffer from water damage caused by firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire conditions. Below are some tips to protect you and your home after a fire. 

Do: 

• Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. 
• Keep your hands clean. Hands covered in soot can further damage upholstery, walls, and woodwork. 
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpeted areas. 
• If electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. 
• Wipe soot off of chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 
• Wash both sides of leaves on houseplants. 
• Change HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop soot particles from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 

Don't: 

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Tupelo. 
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water. 
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture. 
• Don't eat any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. 
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged or wet and can cause electric shock, and air movement can create secondary damage. 
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set a smoke odor.  

If disaster does strike, give SERVPRO a call! We are faster to any disaster and ready to make things "Like it never even happened."