Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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The nation-wide fire statistics are staggering. According to the National Fire Protection Agency there are about 500,000 structural fires reported across the country each year. The majority of these reported fires are happening in residential neighborhoods. That means on streets just like yours.

A property fire is of course devastating. Fires rage leaving destruction and ruin in their path.

Fire Damage Has Several Layers 

  1. First, there is the actual damage from the fire that needs to be addressed. As fires burn within a property material and property is damaged. There is also smoke damage, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, soot and whatever other chemicals the fire picks up along the way latch themselves to hard and soft surfaces in your property — this damage also needs to be addressed (and properly so!).
  2. Second, fire damage restoration usually also has layers of water damage restoration. The fire fighting efforts bring massive amounts of water to bear on the property. It's in this way that fire damage is doubly offensive. 

As property owners look to next steps see our tip section below.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (781) 337-0344

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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