What to Do Until Help Arrives -Fire/Smoke Damage

3/30/2018 (Permalink)

What do you do when you find fire/smoke damage in your home or office?

SERVPRO of West Amarillo has you covered. We have made a list of what to do and not do while you wait for help to arrive.

DO:

• Limit movement in the building to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer abd refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets. trim and appliances, them protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheese cloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces with out first contacting SERVPRO of West Amarillo.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture with out first consulting SERVPRO of West Amarillo.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water with out first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may cause secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

If your home or business has suffered from fire/smoke damage call SERVPRO of WEST Amarillo (806)331-4555