Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

First and foremost, please remember that SAFETY is of the utmost importance after a fire occurs.

Is it home to enter the home?
Watch for electrical hazards and damages to the integrity of the home that can cause injury.
Watch for hazards that can cause you to slip or fall.

Limit movement into the home that can cause more damages.
Keep hands and shoes clean so soot is not embedded further into flooring and furniture.
Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
Empty the freezer and the fridge if the electricity is not operational.
Houseplants can be gently washed on both sides of the leaves.
Tape two layers of cheesecloths to the registers to filter out soot and debris from the ductwork.
Again, the most important thing to do is BE SAFE. Always remember that things can be replaced.

Don't attempt to clean or wash walls, ceilings, or floors.
Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances.
Don't use any food items that were possibly affected by the fire.
Don't turn on ceiling fans or lights. There may be electrical damages from the fire.
Don't send clothing, drapes, or cloth items to a regular dry cleaners.

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.

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.