Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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The majority of the over 500,000 structural fires reported across the country each year occur in residential neighborhoods. That means, regular folks are dealing with structure fires and are looking for professionals to help, sometimes they find strategic partners, often times they don't. 

Fire damage is confounding and overwhelming and it's this way for several reasons, 

  • The complexities of fire damage. Fire damage is multi-faceted; it's the damage from the fire, the smoke, soot, and burned material, but it's also the water damage from the fire fighting efforts. 
  • The difficulty of clear next steps. The stress of a fire hampers clarity. In the midst of fire damage a property owner needs a level of decisiveness and direction. In that initial moment of insurance claims and police reports knowing exactly what is your next step can be elusive. 
  • Hacks claiming to be restoration pros. And, in the midst of it all, you have to sort through the noise of the unqualified. Basically, who can you trust in these moments?

Below we've put together tips for homeowners. Explore and learn, then call us with your questions. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (401) 941-5500

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 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 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.

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