Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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When fire damage has taken over your home or business, you might be at a loss. Unsure of what to do, you might panic and begin to scramble. Don't panic! Your first step should be calling our team of professionals at SERVPRO of Lafayette and Louisville. We have a team of fire restoration specialists ready to help you when you need it most. Our team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Give us a call and we will be on our way to restore your property in no time. While you wait for our services, here are a few tips!

After any fire loss, the primary focus should be safety first.

Find A Place To Stay

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Ask some friends or relatives for space
  • Search for a hotel to stay at

Make a List of Losses

  • Insurance companies need a full list of damage items asap.
  • List out potential items damaged by water and by fire.
  • If possible include: date of purchase, brand name, the price you paid and description of each item.

Electrical & "Slip and Fall" Hazards are of concern

  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
  • Anything plugged in has the potential risk of electrocution. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (303) 604-6607

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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