Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Your First Reaction to Fire Damage

A fire can be scary and stressful, and your priority should be ensuring your family's safety and getting them the appropriate distance from the structure while first responders get to work. At this stage, it is necessary to begin your discussion with your home insurance provider to get the restoration process started.

Trusting Certified Professionals

Our roster features FSRT, OCT, and carpet cleaning professionals accredited through the standard-setting IICRC firm. We work to provide fast and lasting results to get life back to normal, which begins with the call you make to our team while a fire gets extinguished in your home. 

How to Help Until We Arrive

With SERVPRO's fast response to fire damage cleanup, you will not have to wait long to get the professional help your residence needs. Mitigation is the priority of these responding technicians, so you need not risk your health or well-being by preserving keepsakes and contents from the house. The volatile nature of post-fire conditions makes DIY help unlikely with the pressing needs for:

  • Soot removal
  • Bulk material cleanup
  • Water extraction
  • Air filtration

Prioritizing Your Safety

Safety is paramount when contending with a fire loss emergency in your home. Hazardous conditions exist in many areas, and concerns are present in everything from the structural integrity of the building to the environmental conditions. The best option for most house occupants is to steer clear of the work areas.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (718) 381-3271

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.