Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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After any fire damage situation, it you may experience a sudden feeling of being overwhelmed. What should you do first? The following list can be helpful - but know that calling SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch can help guide you through the process and take the anxiety of restoring your home away.

  • Your primary focus should be safety first:Is it safe to stay in the house? Even if it seems safe again, you should wait until a fire professional gives you the go-ahead before you re-enter your building.
  • If fire has damaged your home or business, you will want to call close family and friends or business stakeholders to inform them about the situation.
  • You’ll also want to call your insurance company. They can help you arrange temporary shelter and walk you through next steps. 
  • Remember to call the fire department to find out how you can obtain a copy of the fire report.
  • In order to prevent further accidents or theft, make sure your property is secured.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Start the Clean-Up Process - One reason why SERVPRO is such a trusted leader in the restoration industry is because of our dedication to responding immediately when you need restoration and clean-up help.  We’re known to be “faster to any size disaster.”

The truth is: the quicker the response time, the better when it comes to minimizing damage and keeping costs low. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (732) 578-9888

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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