Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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According to the National Fire Protection Agency there are about 500,000 structural fires reported in the US each year. The Capital Region of New York is no different, and the majority of fires take place at residential homes. A property fire is devastating. Quickly a fire can rage out of control leaving ruin in it's wake. Fire damage includes the burned material, it includes soot splashed around a property and it includes smoke damage. But a fire event also includes another type of damage, the water damage from the fire fighting efforts. It's in this way that fire damage is doubly offensive. 

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first. Below our team has put together tips on what next steps should be if you experience a fire damage event on your property. 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (518) 677-3444

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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