The Dos and Don'ts of Emergency Fire Damage

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Below are some practical Dos and Don'ts for dealing with fire damage:

Do:

-Limit Movement in your home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into your carpet and avoid tracking.

-Keep your hands clean. Soot on hands can soil upholstery.

-If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

-Wipe soot from the metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances.

-If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

-Remove soot particles from plants with a damp cloth.

-Change AC filter, but leave system off until a trained and licensed HVAC contractor can take a look.

-Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Dont's:

-Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Mandarin Professional. 

-Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Mandarin Professional.

-Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TVs, Radios, etc.) that may have been close to the fire and exposed to heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

-Don't consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement from ceiling fans may create secondary damage.

Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in odor and stains.