Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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How To First Help Your Home After Fire Damage

Often, the first thing you should do once a fire occurs in your home and first responders are working to put out the blaze is make two phone calls: the first to your insurance provider and the second to our SERVPRO restoration team. The insurance adjuster will need documentation and evidence of your home's loss, which is where SERVPRO can come in and begin necessary preparation for restoration to follow once the damage claim is approved.

Is DIY Cleaning Feasible? 

It is often necessary to utilize homeowner's insurance to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Successfully returning you to a home "Like it never even happened" begins with multiple steps and phases of full fire recovery, including build-back services. Those considering DIY cleaning and restoration to avoid including their insurance company or the invasiveness of full recovery services should consider the following:

  • Volatile air quality with soot and contaminants
  • The small scope of work that is safe to complete
  • Improper cleaning requires material removal
  • The house could not be safe to be in

Acting to Help Your Home Before Help Arrives

Fire damage cleanup is best expedited by keeping yourself a safe distance from the work getting performed. Damage restoration like this has many unsafe variables, such as the structure's instability. With the finite timeline to get claim approval documentation submitted and approved to start cleanup and restoration, the best help is sometimes a step back.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (323) 255-1001

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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