What to Do When Your Home Has Fire and Smoke Damage

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

A local stove fire handled by SERVPRO of Hardin and Larue Counties.

In a home that has fire and smoke damage, recovery may seem like an insurmountable task. The damage could be extensive, affecting every part of your home. It is important to take these steps when faced with a fire loss to prevent secondary damage. Normal cleaning procedures can increase damage and cause the smoke smell and soot to set into your items. Let SERVPRO of Hardin and Larue Counties take care of you. Our technicians are specialists in dealing with fire damages to help restore your home to its preloss condition. 

What to do if your home has fire and smoke damage:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil our home.
• Place dry towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and high traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of HVAC system.

What NOT to do if your home has fire and smoke damage:

• Attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting a professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water, as they may have been contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

If you have been affected by fire damage, let the pros take care of it for you. Give SERVPRO of Hardin and Larue Counties a call at (270) 360-0448 to get an estimate today. We are always here to help.