Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Is everyone safely out of the house?
  • Careful around the perimeter of the house as you are exiting.
  • Do not try to take items with you.
  • Only partake in activities that are safe and low risk.
  • Do not try to lift wet materials!
  • Try breathing techniques to remain calm.

We understand that fires leave individuals' feelings lost, helpless, and devastated. We want you to know that these are the range of human emotion and it is ok for you to feel this way. We are #heretohelp you get your life back. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (212) 564-6365

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.