Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire Prevention Tips:

  • Make sure all contents are at least 3 feet away from heaters, portable, baseboard, or wall heaters.
  • Keep bathroom ceiling fans clean! 
  • Change your HVAC filter once a month
  • Vacuum your refrigerator condenser area. This is generally located on the backside of the fridge.
  • Do not cook when you are tired or intoxicated. 
  • Do not leave candles burning overnight or when you are not home.

Dont's after a fire:

  • Do not attempt to clean or restore the affected areas. Burned materials are very toxic and generally contains tons of carcinogens. 
  • Do not move the cause of the fire. Insurance companies will require documentation of the cause of loss.
  • Do not go into rooms where the ceiling, walls, or structural supports have fallen.

Do's after a fire:

  • Do call your insurance carrier in the case that you need to file a claim
  • Do get out as quickly as possible and stay out of the home until you are cleared by the Fire department or other inspector
  • Do use safety equipment such as safety glasses, gloves, and respirators when you return to the home
  • Do take your valuable and prized possessions such as documents and photos.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (503) 648-8513

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.