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Fire Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
Water Tips | Fire Tips | Biohazard Tips | Mold Tips
There are many steps that you can take to reduce the pressing and immediate threats in your home after a fire loss incident. Because so many of the properties throughout Queens and its surrounding areas are aging structures, be mindful of the presence of harmful airborne contaminants that could exist after structural losses, such as asbestos.
Only complete these tips if it is safe for you to do so.
- Contact SERVPRO and your insurance provider if you have not already done so
- Begin a damage assessment using the appropriate personal protective equipment
- Begin ventilation of the house when possible
- DO NOT attempt to remove soot residues on your own – you could stain the affected surface and aerosolize harmful soot particles.
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (718) 381-3702
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.
