Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Experiencing a fire in your Jacksonville home or business is traumatizing enough and knowing the proper steps to take after a fire loss is not common knowledge. The aftermath of a fire can leave behind a ton of fire, soot, and smoke damage both to the interior and exterior portions of your property. The damage can be very difficult to mitigate without the proper knowledge and equipment and it can be quite hazardous as well.

Our SERVPRO of Arlington/Jacksonville East team has been there to help with hundreds of fire cleanup jobs. We have years of training, with regular ongoing training, as well as a ton of hands-on experience. If a fire damage disaster strikes, don't hesitate and give our SERVPRO team a call today!

Take a minute to review our Fire Damage Tips to see what you can do until help arrives!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (904) 721-2230

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.