Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After any fire situation, your focus can be a bit off as these situations can be tough and a lot to deal with. We would like to offer some helpful tips to help you better deal with it all:



  • First and foremost, safety first!

        -Is the home safe to stay in? If not, find a place to stay.

        -Wait to turn on utilities.

        -Contact the police to report the incident.

  •  Contact you Insurance agent and file your claim immediately.

        - Mention SERVPRO as we can help not only with many of your fire restoration needs but we also assist in boarding up of any windows or doors.                         (Boarding up is very important as it helps prevent any intruders from entering your property.)

  •  Plan your finances.
  •  Save undamaged property. (We can help store and restore it from any soot or smoke damage.)
  •  Create a list of all damaged items. (We can help you dispose of it all so you won't have to.)

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (925) 372-7234

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.