Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

After your home or business has suffered fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage, you will most likely have many questions about what actions to take next. Think of SERVPRO of Chaska/Chanhassen as your guide and resource throughout the whole process. Our trained and certified team is available 24/7 to answer questions and provide any resource you may need to get your home or business repaired.

Below are some helpful tips about what to do until help arrives. Please remember – do not go back into your home or business unless the fire department on-site has told you that it’s okay. There are widespread hazards in fire damaged structures that may not be immediately obvious such as:

  • Weakened floors
  • Ceilings that may collapse
  • Trip hazards from debris
  • Electrical hazards

It is important to start fire damage restoration as soon as possible for many reasons. Weakened structures can cave in, damaged pipes can burst, and there is a risk of inhaling toxic chemicals from the smoke residue. As your local fire damage restoration company, we can provide an estimate on the cost of any fire damage restoration services. 

Please all the experts at SERVPRO of Chaska/Chanhassen if you have any questions or are unsure about re-entering your property. We are always here to help!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (952) 314-1994

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.