Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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We know a thing or two, when it comes to dealing with fire damage restoration. Why? Because it happened to us. In April 2016, we experienced a warehouse fire.   

One of the first things we do at the scene of a fire damage is to address any safety hazards.

  • Should the occupants temporarily relocate?
  • What about electrical hazards, such as fire damaged electrical wiring, or possible electric shock from water used to put out the fire?
  • Are there structural risks, such as a partially burned ceiling about to collapse?
  • Do we see any slip, trip, and fall hazards from wet floors and debris?
  • Are there any hazardous materials such as soot residues, chemicals, lead, and asbestos, that can cause respiratory harm, and other health issues?

As an IICRC Certified Firm, with continuous safety training through OSHA, we know how to safely manage the risks involved. Call us. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Charlottesville.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (434) 977-5850

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.

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