Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Homes catch fire for a variety of reasons with around 50% resulting from the kitchen. Here are a couple tips to mitigate any fire damage:

Before a fire happens, make sure you have smoke alarms... and that they are working. Think about changing out batteries every 6-12 months.
When buying new furniture or other items for your home, make sure smoke resistant material is a consideration.
Make sure you know where your circuit breaker box is located. If each individual circuit is not labeled, make sure to label them.
After a fire, check for any gas or unusual smells. If there is a gas smell, leave the premises immediately and call your gas company or the city.
Check for any exposed wiring, turn off electricity in these areas.
Often water will be present after a fire due to the help from the fire department. Move electrical wiring away from any water with a non-conductive item.
If it has not been more than 24 hours, remove and salvage any food from your refrigerator.
Inventory, document, and take pictures of any items before discarding. This is important information to get reimbursed if insurance is being utilized.
Last, call a great fire restoration company like SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas to get things cleaned up and restored.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we want to make it "Like it never even happened."

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.