What To Do After a Structure Fire

1/27/2020 (Permalink)

A fire in your home or business is always traumatic, and knowing what to do next usually adds to the stress and anxiety already experienced. Most people are unsure of what the next steps should be.

It's always best to call experts who know the behavior of smoke and soot to clean up and restore the building, but there are a few things that can be done to increase the chances of a successful restoration.

• Limit the amount of foot traffic within the property. Soot particles can be spread to unaffected areas and embed themselves into carpet and furniture fibers.
• Keep your hands clean. Transferring soot and other fire-related substances can further soil the walls, upholstery, woodwork, etc.
• Electricity is often turned off, empty refrigerators/freezers. Leave doors open to reduce odors.
• Cover air registers with cheesecloth, and double layer the tape. If cheesecloth is unavailable, use any similar fabric that will keep soot particles out of the HVAC system.
• If your electricity is off, your heating system will not operate. In the winter, pour antifreeze designed for RV's and Campers in your sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and bathtubs to "winterize" your home and keep pipes from freezing.

As smoke and soot can leave a film on surfaces (different kinds of smoke will have different properties, and will require different cleaning methods), leave ALL cleaning to SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch.

Do not:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Shampoo carpet or upholstery 
• Clean any electrical items. Cleaning these should be left to professionals. Most likely they should be discarded.
• Use or consume any canned or packaged food or beverage that may have been near the fire, heat or water. Varying conditions can alter the integrity of food items.
• Use or turn on any electrical device, including ceiling fixtures or outlets, wiring can be damaged by water.
• Send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may cause smoke odor to set in.

If you ever have a fire, SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch has certified technicians who know the properties of smoke and soot, and will be able to professionally and thoroughly clean and restore your property. Call us any time, we are open 24/7.