5 Must-Dos After Fire or Smoke Damage (Knowing Now Is Better Than Knowing Later)

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

It's better to know and not need it, than to need it and not know it

Fire damage to your home or business can be hard to deal with. What makes it better (or worse) is how it is dealt with after. There are some very simple steps to follow to make sure that you can minimise the effects from fire and smoke damage. Follow these below like a checklist if you're ever in this situation.

First, Lets Start with the Do's

1. Limit the movement in the rooms. Too much movement from you, your family, staff or pets creates air flow. This air flow moves soot particles around the room, creating further damage to the walls, floor and furniture. If possible, close off all windows, doors and any other openings. 
2. Keep hands clean. Hands can transfer soot to other areas of your home or business and damage other items unnecessarily. 
3. Cover all upholstery, furniture etc.  Keeping in mind point 1's "minimal movement", grab some linen, or cloth and cover all carpet, furniture or upholstery so that no more soot can fall onto these. IMPORTANT: Be sure to use dry towels and cloths.
4. Turn off all electrical appliances. This includes the fridge, freezer, HVAC, heaters. Turn them all off to avoid further triggering fires and/or to limit air flow.
5. Wipe soot off chrome in kitchen and bathroom faucets. This is important to avoid staining of the chrome. Use a slightly wet cloth when wiping down the chrome and faucets. Once completed, lightly coat these surfaces with a lubricant for greater protection.

Important things to avoid

1. Do not attempt to wash the walls. While you may want to save some money on this and "do it yourself", different surfaces react differently. Some surfaces are porous and absorb soot which can further stain. It's always preferred to have a professional do this as they will have the knowledge of how to clean safely and minimising further damage.
2. Do not consume any food or drink that was in proximity of the fire. This sounds obvious when we read it, but you would be surprised how in the moment, it slips your mind. Soot is sneaky. It can get in everything, underneath your packaging and lids. This contaminates your food and drink, which can lead to health issues or sickness. You’re best to throw it out.
3. Do not shampoo carpet or furniture without first contacting a professional. If done incorrectly this can further embed the door or stains. Contact SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties first. Our team can determine the severity of the fire or smoke damage and aid you with the proper method of removal.
4. Do Not turn on any ceiling fixtures. Again referencing the "Do's point 1". Turning on any ceiling fixtures will create air flow, and therefore move the soot around, furthering the issue and damage.
5. Do Not attempt to clean electrical equipment. This is very important. After a fire, there is a lot of damage, particularly with electrical equipment. Damage such as fraying of wires or open circuits leave anyone who touches them vulnerable to electric shots or electrocution. Turn off all power outlets if possible but do not attempt to clean them until the SERVPRO team have assisted the situation.

We hope that this has helped. Your safety is our priority. We also are attempting to help you save money and avoid further damage in unfortunate events such as fire and smoke damage. 

If this was helpful, please share it on your social media so that your friends and family can be informed.

Preparation always beats 'cure'. 

 - the team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties