What To Do Until Help Arrives: Fire Damage
No one wants a house fire, but if you do encounter such a tragedy you need to be prepared! Here’s a few tips on what to do – and NOT to do – after a fire.
What To Do:
- If you do have to touch things, be sure to keep your hands clean. This way, you won’t further soil upholstery, walls, etc.
- In high traffic areas, place clean towels or old linens down (on rugs, carpet).
- Make sure electricity is off. Once it is safe, then empty freezer and refrigerator (to salvage food items) and prop those doors open.
- Use a petroleum jelly (or oil) to clean and protect chrome.
- Have houseplants? Wash them on both sides of leaves.
- Change the HVAC filter (or filters) in the house.
- Place double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do:
- Do not wash walls or painted surfaces without contacting G.W. Savage first.
- Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting G.W. Savage first.
- Do not try to clean any electrical appliances without consulting an authorized repair professional.
- Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire.
- Do not turn on ceiling fixtures as the wiring may be damaged (which would cause a larger issue).
- Do not wash your clothes on your own as improper cleaning may set smoke odor. Bring them to a dry cleaner!
- Don’t move things around! Doing so will cause soot particles to get embedded in upholstery or carpets.