The Do’s and Don’t’s of Fire Damage

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

When fire damage strikes, the professionals at SERVPRO of Bay County are Here to Help!

Thankfully everyone is safe, the property is not a total loss, and some of your most valued possessions have not been damaged.  The fire department leaves, and you are looking into your home.  You ask yourself…”What do I do now?”  This can be a very confusing and stressful situation for a property owner to find themselves in after a fire damage has occurred.  Striving to provide the highest possible level of customer service after disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Bay County is proud to be of service for fire damage throughout the communities of Panama City Beach, Callaway, and surrounding areas.  By calling us as soon as possible, our team will respond and begin the restoration process, working to reduce the amount of total damage sustained.  Until our team arrives, we recommend the following do’s and don’t’s of fire damage:

DO

• Limit movement in the home to reduce the embedding of soot particles into carpet and upholstery.
• Keep hands clean to reduce soot transfer.
• Wipe soot from chrome surfaces, including appliances. After wiping soot away, protect these surfaces by applying a light coating of lubricant.
• Leave HVAC system OFF but do change out filter. Do not run the HVAC system until is has been inspected and possibly cleaned.
• Place dry towels or old linens down on high traffic areas that are carpeted.

DON’T

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Turn on fans. These can spread soot particles around.  Especially if water was used to extinguish the fire, be care of using any fixtures attached to wet drywall as this can present an electrical shock hazard.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can set in smoke odors.
• Consume any food or beverages that were near the fire. These items may be contaminated.

Available 24/7/365 for emergencies, SERVPRO of Bay County is “Faster to any size disaster.”  With extensive training, experience, and knowledge of fire damage restoration practices, our team will work diligently to restore your property, limit the amount of secondary damage, and reduce the stress associated with a fire loss as much as possible.  To learn more about our services, request assistance, or for any other questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call: 850-785-1077.