24/7 Emergency Service
Fire Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
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When the fire is out and the trucks have left, you may be left wondering what your next step is. Even the most prepared among us may be uncertain abut how to navigate the post-home fire process. After you have called our office and are waiting for our Project Manager and technicians to arrive, use caution when entering your home. As difficult as it may be to stand back and not try to save your belongings, your primary focus should be safety first.
Ask yourself:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Are there any electrical hazards?
- Is the floor wet or degraded to the extent that it could cause a fall?
- Are the walls and ceilings saturated and in danger of falling? Remember that wet sheetrock can be very heavy!
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (203) 301-0500
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.
