Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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House fires can be a stressful time, but it is imperative that you know the limits of cleaning your home and should consider calling your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional to assist you in this process. You should avoid washing any walls or painted surfaces, as well as try to shampoo your carpets or upholstered furniture. Furthermore, cleaning any electrical appliances, like your TV sets or radios, can be hazardous to your health — contact an authorized repair service for further instructions. Your clothes and washable garments should be sent to the dry cleaners, for improper cleaning may set in a smoke odor. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (215) 848-8875

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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