Do's and Don'ts after a fire

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be a devastating experience.  Contact SERVPRO of Bear Creek to help you with the restoration process. Here are some important Do’s and Don’ts to help you before we arrive:

DO:

Limit movement in the house to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and upholstery.

Keep your hands clean.  Soot on your hands can further soil upholstery, wall and woodwork.

Place dry, towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

If the electricity is off, empty the refrigerator and freezer completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricants.

Change HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.

If the HVAC system is left on, tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON’T:

Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Bear Creek.

Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting SERVPRO of Bear Creek.

Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to the fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

Consume any food or beverage that may have been stored close to the fire, heat or water.  (These items may be contaminated.)

Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.  Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may cause secondary damage.

Send garments to the dry cleaners. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.