Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Fire Prevention: Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Smoke alarms are a necessary tool that should be installed into every home or business to help protect against the threat of fires.  Not only do smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, but when they are installed properly, they can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.  It is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association that smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, and on every level of the house.  All smoke alarms should be tested monthly to ensure that they are working, this can be done by simply pushing their test button.  Make sure your smoke alarms are up to date and functioning fully to ensure you are protecting your home, business, and loved ones if a fire threat occurs.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (540) 731-3080

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.

Visit our updated page