Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire damage is a traumatic and stressful experience for homeowners. SERVPRO understands the importance of quickly and effectively restoring your home to its preloss condition after a fire. Here are some fire damage tips from our experts to help you through this difficult time.

  1. Safety First: Before entering your home, make sure it is safe to do so. Do not enter if the structure is unstable or if there is any visible damage.

  2. Contact Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire and begin the claims process.

  3. Secure the Property: Secure your property by boarding up any damaged windows or doors to prevent further damage or theft.

  4. Salvage What You Can: If it is safe to do so, try to salvage any personal belongings that have not been damaged by the fire.

  5. Call a Professional: Contact a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to assess the damage and develop a plan for restoration.

  6. Document the Damage: Take photos of the damage for your insurance company and for your records.

  7. Follow the Restoration Plan: Follow the restoration plan provided by your professional restoration company to ensure a timely and effective restoration process.

We are committed to providing top-quality fire damage restoration services to homeowners. Our team of highly trained professionals will work with you and your insurance company to quickly and effectively restore your home to its preloss condition. Contact us today to learn about our fire damage restoration services.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (205) 664-6770

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.