Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Top 3 Fire Damage Tips to Prevent Further Damage

Experiencing a fire damage is stressful and can leave long-term damage to your home or business. Here are some tips to help your property prevent further damage: 

1. DO NOT open windows or doors to ventilate. The first thing you'll notice after a fire is the smell and although your first instinct would be to open the windows, it'll cause further damage. The ventilation will kick up any soot and ashes, allowing them to spread further into your property. 

2. DO NOT turn on your fans or a/c. Much like leaving your doors and windows closed, turning on the a/c or household fans will also kick up any soot or ashes. In fact, turning on the a/c allows the soot and ashes to travel through your vents allowing for further damage and higher repair cost. 

3. DO NOT attempt to wipe your walls or ceilings. Wiping with household equipment will leave soot stains and streaks.

Fire's leave unspeakable damage in their wake. Not only could there be structural damage, but the air quality around your property drastically becomes a health-hazard. SERVPRO of Irvine is equipped with the proper equipment and products to help your property look like it never even happened.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (949) 474-7776

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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