After any fire damage situation, your #1 focus needs to be safety. Ask yourself:
• If it is safe to go into the house?
• Are there any electrical or “slip and fall” hazards?
• Are there any do activities that are safe to perform?
What To Do After A Fire
• Limit your movement in the structure to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpets and upholstery.
• Keep your hands clean so you do not further soil walls, woodwork, and upholstery.
• Put clean towels or old linens over rugs, upholstery and carpet in traffic areas.
• If your electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
• Use a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil to clean and protect chrome.
• Wash houseplants on the top and bottom of the leaves.
• Change your HVAC filters.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over the 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 ETA Services.
• Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been near fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don’t consume 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 could be damaged.
• Don’t send clothing or linens to a general dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can set smoke odor.