Fire Damage: What to do until help arrives

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

Wait for the professionals to help you!

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until your local SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professionals arrive. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

DO THE FOLLOWING UNTIL HELP ARRIVES:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ 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.
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’T TRY ATTEMPTING:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professional.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Dale City/Lake Ridge Professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated.
• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Should your home or business suffer a fire/smoke/soot damage contact us at 703-583-8484 to help make it "Like it never even happened."