Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.

After a fire in your home or business there are a few things you can do to help minimize any further damage.

Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot from spreading.

Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.

Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.

Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.

Do not clean electrical equipment.

Keep your HVAC system off so that soot is not dispersed throughout your property.

Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly.

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.