Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After a fire, prioritize safety and take the following steps:

  1. Evaluate safety: Determine if it's safe to stay in the house and be cautious of electrical and slip hazards.
  2. Perform safe activities: Limit movement to prevent soot particles from embedding into surfaces, and keep hands clean.
  3. Protect surfaces: Place towels or linens on rugs, upholstery, and high-traffic areas.
  4. Safeguard appliances: If the power is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop their doors open.
  5. Clean houseplants, change HVAC filters, and cover air registers.

Avoid these actions:

  1. Don't attempt DIY cleaning without consulting professionals.
  2. Avoid using food or beverages stored near the fire.
  3. Do not turn on wet ceiling fixtures due to potential wiring damage.
  4. Seek specialized dry cleaning for garments affected by smoke odor.

Remember, safety comes first, and contacting professionals, like SERVPRO of Bellevue at (425) 454-3900, is crucial for effective fire damage restoration.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (425) 454-3900

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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