Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After a fire you can feel helpless and overwhelmed. You may feel that starting to clean up some of the mess yourself is the best thing to do. If you chose to start doing anything inside the house before help arrives please remember safety should be your number one priority. Electrical and slip and fall accidents are the more common during this time. If you do chose to start performing tasks in your home, only do tasks you are able to perform. Also remember most of the items will be wet and heavier than usual right after a fire. If you chose to start working before SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa arrives on scene below are a few do and don't tips to consider. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (815) 416-0075

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.