Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Avoid breathing air and exposure to contaminated areas by smoke odor.
If you need to enter a smoke damaged structure, wear proper protective equipment.
Persons with heart or lung disease should consult their physician before using a mask.
materials affected by smoke, soot, or ash shouldn't be handled or come in direct skin contact.
Avoid using your personal shop vacuums and other common vacuum cleaners.
Children or pets should avoid to enter areas that have smoke odor, ash or soot.
If you find yourself needing to be inside a building or area affected by smoke, attempt to ventilate the area by opening windows or doors unless doing so will allow outdoor smoke odor or ash to get in. Your health is very important.
Have an environmental testing laboratory test your affected area.
When sorting through contents, don't take chances.
If you experience any adverse health symptoms from exposure to smoke or soot, seek medical attention immediately.

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.

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.