Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Fire Prevention Tips:

Make sure all contents are at least 3 feet away from heaters, portable, baseboard, or wall heaters.
Keep bathroom ceiling fans clean!
Change your HVAC filter once a month
Vacuum your refrigerator condenser area. This is generally located on the backside of the fridge.
Do not cook when you are tired or intoxicated.
Do not leave candles burning overnight or when you are not home.

Dont's after a fire:

Do not attempt to clean or restore the affected areas. Burned materials are very toxic and generally contains tons of carcinogens.
Do not move the cause of the fire. Insurance companies will require documentation of the cause of loss.
Do not go into rooms where the ceiling, walls, or structural supports have fallen.

Do's after a fire:

Do call your insurance carrier in the case that you need to file a claim
Do get out as quickly as possible and stay out of the home until you are cleared by the Fire department or other inspector
Do use safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and respirators when you return to the home
Do take your valuable and prized possessions such as documents and photos.

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.

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.