What to do if a fire happens

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeast Portland is always here to help.

If a fire happens, the first and most important thing to do is  make sure that you and your family are out of the home. 

The next step is having the Fire Department assess whether or not it is safe to be in or near the building where the fire/smoke damage occurred. Electrical hazards are common occurrences after a fire and can be extremely dangerous.

As soon as the Fire Departments declares the building safe then you and your highly certified SERVPRO team can begin restoration. We will do whatever we can to restore and3 preserve the items in your home, as well as saving you money! The following is a list of what to do and not to do after a fire.

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 the 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 
• 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 the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may leave a smoke odor.

SERVPRO of Southeast Portland offers the following services after a fire to make your house a home again.