Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Once a fire loss has occurred, the primary focus should be safety first. Getting you out of harms way is our number one concern.

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.

- 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!

- Avoid electronics plugged in due to the risk of electrocution.

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.

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.