Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire is a very serious matter. It can spread quickly and without warning. Please take the appropriate precautions after a fire, no matter the size or severity.

  • Determine if it is safe to stay in the house. If there is smoke or flames present, leave immediately and call 911.
  • Burned materials, smoke, electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most primary concerns; be extremely careful exiting your home.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
  • Once the fire department has extinquished the fire and have given the all clear, call your insurance company to file a claim.

Your insurance company will walk you through the rest of the process to have your home, and your possessions, restored to their pre-fire condition.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (518) 580-1111

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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