Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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In the United States, a fire occurs every 18 seconds. Even a small fire in just one room of your home can damage your belongings and many surfaces throughout the entire house and cause odors that may last for years. After the fire department leaves and the smoke clears, the building becomes your responsibility. Before you risk doing further problems by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, we advise you to call SERVPRO of Virginia Beach. We have the equipment and knowledge to get your home back to preloss condition. After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (757) 431-1400

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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