Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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To ensure the work site is safe, the restorer and the property owner must communicate and cooperate. The two parties should clarify how the site will be secured during the restoration process. The property owner and restorer should establish the procedures technicians will follow regarding keys, locks, lights, and security systems, especially if the site is unoccupied.


Perform a safety evaluation as the first step in any mitigation situation. Determine all safety risks involved and, whenever possible, ask the property owner or representative to point out any known safety hazards. Once safety hazards are identified, define procedures to minimize the risks and communicate safety procedures to everyone at the job site.

Maintaining an organized work site helps promote safety. Identify work areas and staging areas for equipment and supplies. If warning signs or barrier tapes mark off unsafe areas of the work site, communicate the importance of the property owner and occupants respecting the marked areas. Clean up work areas and staging areas at the end of a work session. Do not leave cleaning products where others might be exposed to them. Dispose of debris when possible, but only after obtaining permission from the property owner and adjuster.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (603) 669-7733

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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