Steps to Manage Damage Caused by Fire and Smoke

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Step 1: Safety

The top priority is safety. The first and most important step to take after a fire is making sure everyone is safe. If anyone should feel ill, it its imperative to receive medical attention. Following the assurance of personal health, the next thing to do is have the Fire Marshall assess whether or not it is safe to be in or near the building where the fire or smoke damage occurred. Electrical hazards are common occurrences after a fire and can be extremely dangerous along with water hazards caused from the fire or in the process of putting out the fire. Maintaining safety throughout the entire restoration process is vital.

Step 2: Restoration

Promptly following the Fire Marshall's declaration of the building being safe, then you, as well as your highly trained SERVPRO of Westfield professional, can begin restoration. We maintain the restore versus replace mentality in order to preserve the items that hold sentimental value, as well as saving you money.

The following is a list of to-do's and not-to-do's after a fire.

What To Do After A Fire

• Movement in the home should be limited to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean to prevent further soil of upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Wash houseplants (if any) on both sides of the leaves.
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers (i.e. vents)

What Not To Do After A Fire

• Do not attempt to wash walls and/or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting you SERVPRO of Westfield professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service
• Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures.

For further information and help on fire damage contact us
SERVPRO of Westfield

(281) 907-0018, or visit our website at
http://www.SERVPROWestfield.com/