Handling Fire Damage in Your Home

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating, especially in your home. If you or your loved ones ever experience fire or smoke damage, here are a few helpful DO's and DON'Ts to handle your situation with ease!

What To Do Post-Fire

• Change HVAC filters.
• Place clean cloths/towels on any carpet, rugs, or upholstery in trafficked areas.
• Limit movement within the home to prevent excess soot particles from becoming embedded in carpets or upholstery.
• Keep hands clean and/or gloved to ensure no further damage to upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Wash both sides of leaves on all affected houseplants.
• If you experience loss of electricity, be sure to empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.

What NOT To Do Post-Fire

• Don't send any clothing or other garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning could set the smoke odor in permanently.
• Don't try to wash any walls or painted surfaces of your home.
• Don't try to shampoo the carpet or upholstery of your home.
• Don't try to clean any electrical appliances in your home that may have been close to fire, heat, or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet for any reason. The wiring within your home may be damaged.

When you're dealing with fire or smoke damage in your home, call the professionals here at SERVPRO® of Pike, Floyd, and Knott Counties today at (606) 886-3826.