Fire Damage Tips for Homeowners

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Don't try and take on the fire damage yourself, leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO.

The first two days after a fire can make or break the possibility of restoring your personal belongings. SERVPRO crew technicians of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville can help prevent fire damage from worsening with their extensive training and knowledge about smoke and fire damages. Our crew are available 24/7 for your fire damage needs before the damage in your becomes irreversible. Before help arrives, there are some things you can do to prevent damage from getting worse, as well as things that could worsen the damage. 

Things you SHOULD do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet. 
• Keep hands clean. If you have soot on your hands it can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. 
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and high traffic carpet regions. 
• If the electricity is already turned off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances. You can then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant. 
• If the heat is off during the winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. 
• Wash both sides of leaves on any household plants not destroyed. Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Things NOT to do: 

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville franchise. 
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville franchise. 
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances(TVs, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting the appropriate repair service. 
• Don't consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire or heat. Food items may be contaminated.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don't send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor. 

If you have fire damages in your home, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Western O'Fallon/Wentzville at (636) 856-9700