The Do's and Don'ts After You Have Had a Fire

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids has the specialized training and equipment to clean up after a fire.

The unthinkable has happened and you have had a fire in your home or business. Call SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids for professional help on how to clean up after a fire at 218-568-6923.

While you are waiting for SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids to arrive here is a list of Do's and Don'ts to minimize the damage from the fire, smoke and soot:

Do's

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on your hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry colorfast towels or old linens (such as sheets) on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If the electricity is off, empty freezers and refrigerators completely and prop the doors open to prevent odors.
• If it is winter time, poor RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs (holding tank if applicable) to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change the 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 our out of the HVAC system.

Don'ts

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without checking with SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids first.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first checking with SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Do not turn on any ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and can cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set a smoke odor in the garments.

Visit our Fire Damage and Restoration Process webpage to learn more about what you should do after a fire and what services SERVPRO of Brainerd and Park Rapids can offer you.