Fire Damage: Dos and Do Nots

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

For water and fire damage cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO!

After a fire takes place, there's a million things on your mind. Hopefully you had a plan in place to protect your loved ones and important property. To help protect your home and belongings from further damage, here are a few tips for what you should and should not do after fire damage takes place.

Fire damage dos:

1. Limit the amount of movement through the affected area to prevent the spread of soot and other particles which may cause additional damages. If the affected area is too large to avoid, evacuate while repairs are being done.
2. Placing large clean rags, or old linens on rugs and upholstery in your home can also help prevent the spread of soot.
3. Coating chrome fixtures like your faucets, or other parts of appliances with petroleum jelly.
4.  If there is water in your home and on your floors, protect your furniture by putting a barrier like foil or wooden blocks where the furniture touches the floor.

Fire damage do nots:

1. Do not wash any walls or other painted surfaces yourself- improper cleaning can stain the walls.
2. Do not try to clean or shampoo any carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Trying to clean up fire damage yourself is extremely hazardous to your personal health. Always call a professional.
3. Do not clean any electrical equipment as this is dangerous, have a professional look at it, or replace it.
4. Do not send clothes to a dry cleaner as improper cleaning can set smoke odors and stains.

For more information on our fire damage restoration services, visit our page or give us a call. With 24-hour emergency service, SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North will arrive faster to your disaster, and make it "like it never even happened."