Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After a fire, prioritize safety by considering the following tips:

Assess whether it's safe to remain in the house, watching out for electrical and slip hazards.
Limit activities to those that won't put you at risk.
Handle wet materials with caution due to their weight.
Call (206) 282-9500 if you have smoke or fire damage.

Minimize movement to prevent soot from embedding into upholstery and carpets.
Keep hands clean to avoid further soiling of surfaces.
Place clean towels or linens on high-traffic areas of rugs and furniture.
If the power is out, empty the freezer and refrigerator, leaving the doors open.
Apply a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil to protect chrome surfaces.
Wash both sides of houseplant leaves.
Change the HVAC filter and cover air registers with double layers of cheesecloth using tape.

Avoid washing walls, surfaces, or shampooing carpets without professional guidance.
Don't clean electrical appliances without consulting an authorized repair service.
Refrain from consuming food or beverages near the fire.
Don't turn on wet ceiling fixtures due to potential wiring damage.
Use a specialized cleaner for garments to prevent setting smoke odor.

By following these tips, you can prioritize safety and minimize further damage until professional help arrives.

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.