Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire Damage Tips from SERVPRO of Louisa, Orange & Madison Counties

Fire damages have lasting effects upon your property and belongings, whether it was from a holiday fire in the kitchen or the Christmas lights overheated. While our main concern is always your safety and your families safety, a few tips to handle the remaining smoke and soot may help. For instance, it is important to call professionals immediately after the fire has been extinguished. You should also avoid trying to handle any items that you might think are salvageable. Also, staying clear of any property that has not been deemed safe to enter by a professional is incredibly important as well. SERVPRO of Louisa, Orange & Madison Counties wants you to feel secure and confident in our teams to get your property back to, "Like it never even happened."

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (540) 513-3111

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.