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Fire Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
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Fire Damage Tips from SERVPRO of South & West Charleston
The aftermath of a fire can affect the structure of your property as well as your belongings. SERVPRO of South & West Charleston wants to share a few fire damage tips with you. If you are faced with fire damage, your safety and your loved ones safety is of course the main concern. Once everyone is safe, you should attempt to remain calm and not panic. By remaining calm, you can then navigate your next steps while waiting for professional help. Allowing the professionals to handle your belongings will increase the likelihood that they will be salvageable.
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (843) 823-7400
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.
