Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire damage can be devastating, affecting both property and emotional well-being. Here are essential tips for managing fire damage:

1. **Safety First**: Ensure the safety of yourself and others by staying away from the damaged area until it's declared safe by authorities.

2. **Contact Professionals**: Call a reputable fire restoration company immediately to assess the damage and start the restoration process promptly.

3. **Document the Damage**: Take photos and videos of the affected areas for insurance claims and future reference during the restoration process.

4. **Insurance Claim**: Contact your insurance company to initiate the claims process, providing all necessary documentation and cooperating with their requirements.

5. **Prevent Further Damage**: Board up windows, cover exposed areas, and secure the property to prevent additional damage from weather or trespassers.

6. **Address Water Damage**: Address any water damage caused by firefighting efforts to prevent mold and structural issues. Use dehumidifiers and fans to aid in drying.

7. **Professional Assessment**: Allow professionals to assess structural integrity, electrical systems, and plumbing to identify hidden damage.

8. **Professional Restoration**: Work with a reputable restoration company to handle the cleanup, repairs, and restoration of your property to its pre-fire condition.

9. **Communicate with Contractors**: Keep open communication with contractors to understand the scope, timeline, and costs of the restoration process.

10. **Emotional Support**: Seek emotional support for yourself and family members to cope with the aftermath of the fire and the restoration process.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (210) 757-0275

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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