Do’s and Don’t’s of Fire and Smoke Damage

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County has the training, equipment, and experience to handle fire damages of all shapes and sizes!

Having a fire damage occur at your home or business can be extremely stressful.  Once the flames have been extinguished, and safety of all people present has been taken care of, it is time to begin the cleanup and restoration process.  As you are preparing for this phase, there are quite a few “do’s” and “don’t’s” to consider:

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet or upholstery.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil surrounding structure and contents.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs and carpeted traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator 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 lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DO NOT

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local professional remediation company, SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been contaminated by fire, water, or soot.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to a dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Northwest Escambia County is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your emergency water and fire damage remediation needs.  Our team of highly trained professionals has the equipment and experience to handle losses of all sizes and takes great pride in being of service to the communities of Pensacola, Cantonment, and Century, Florida.  Please give us a call at 850-466-3089, We’re Here to Help!