Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire Damage Do's and Don'ts



         DO'S



 • Call a professional. Within 72 hours corrosive byproducts can cause etching to some hard surfaces such
   as chrome, porcelain and Formica.
 • Do air out the house if the temperature permits.
 • Change the air filter in the furnace if it uses forced hot air.
 • Throw away open food packages.
 • Send affected clothing, art work and paperwork to a qualified restoration cleaner.
 • Have all electronics checked by an approved vendor before using them.



         DON'TS

 • Do not touch anything with ungloved hands because oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and
   woodwork, causing additional damage.
 • Do not attempt to clean walls. Incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.
 • Do not attempt to clean furniture, carpets or any type of textile.
 • Do not use ceiling fans or lights if the ceiling is wet.



                                              Call SERVPRO OF DeRidder, Leeville & Vinton for any type of fire or soot clean (337)462-6500

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (337) 462-6500

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.

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