Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Here at SERVPRO of Universal City / St. Hedwig, we take pride in making sure that you are aware of what to do when a fire happens. We understand that when a fire takes place, a high level anxiety and stress can occur. Many thoughts and worry start to linger in the back of your head. To relieve that stress and worry, here a few tips of what to do in the case of a fire until we arrive:

- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading.

- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.

- Coat chrome faucets, trim, and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.

- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

- Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.

- Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.

- Do not clean any electrical equipment.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (210) 610-6800

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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