What Should You Do If A Fire Has Happened?

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating. They leave a hopeless feeling and worry of what you should do after the flames are extinguished. All you can see is the soot and smoke damage that is left behind on your ceilings, walls, carpet and floors. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties see your property restored to back to pre-fire. 

If your home or business has suffered a fire it is important that appropriate steps are taken in order to prevent further damage. SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties wants to make sure that your property has a successful restoration, therefore, we would like to provide you with some helpful tips.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets 
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean to not further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator/freezer and prop doors open 
• Clean soot off of appliances and protect them by applying a light coat of petroleum jelly or oil
• Change HVAC filter and tape doubles layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent foot from entering

It is also important to know what NOT to do after a fire to ensure you are not further damaging your property.  

• Do NOT attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery
• Do NOT attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water
• Do NOT use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water
• Do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
• Do NOT send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning could set smoke odor.

In an event of a fire call, SERVPRO of St. Mary's and Calvert Counties, to ensure that your property is in great hands and follow our tips for a successful restoration.