Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

To Do or Not to do That is the Question: Until Help Arrives

To Do:

Keep hands clean
Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs.
Wipe soot from chrome kitchen, bathroom faucets
If electricity is off to clear out the refrigerator.
If heat is off during winter, pour out RV antifreeze in sink or toilet bowl
Change H-VAC filters and leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.

Not to Do:

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.