Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Tips for Fire Safety 

  • Install Smoke Alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they're not working, change the batteries. 
  • Talk with family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year. 
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything.  
  • Be alert, if you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, DO NOT use the oven or stove top. 
  • Never leave the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. 
  • Keep all items that can easily catch fire away from your stove top. 

FACT: Heating is the second leading cause of home fires. Please always practice fire safety and always check smoke detectors. For more on Fires, fire tips and safety, check out our Fire section on SERVPRO or you can always check out Redcross.org 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (210) 899-1017

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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