Commercial and Residential Fires: The “Do & Do Nots”

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

DO:

-Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.

-Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.

-Place dry colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

-If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely to prop doors open to help prevent odor.

-Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances, then protect thee surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.

-If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

-Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.

-Change the HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.

Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don't:

-Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO franchise professional.

-Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.

-Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (including tv's, radios etc.)

-Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to the fire, heat or water.

-Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement could cause secondary damage.

-Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

If fire strikes your home or business, remember, we are faster to any disaster and are here to get you back to “Like it never even happened.”