Things You Should Know in a Recent Fire

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Try these important things to do (and not to do) during a fire.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first.

Even if the situation is hectic, there are important questions to ask yourself for the safety of you and your family:

Is it safe to enter the home?
Is it safe to stay in the house?
Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. Are there electric outlets that are sparking?
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Is it safe to do so?
Wet materials can be weighty, is it too heavy to carry or pick up?

If you have had a recent fire, here are a few crucial things you should act on immediately:

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 the electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
Change the HVAC filter.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

As tempting as it may be, under no circumstances should the following things be done:

Please 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 the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale today at 818-246-2200. Our expert and certified technicians are on standby.