Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Regardless of whether your home has suffered a small kitchen fire or a chimney fire that causes widespread damage, you have had a traumatic experience. You may not always be sure of what action to take after the fire trucks have left and while you are waiting for us to arrive.  

The restoration of your home should be performed by a professional company to ensure that it is properly dried it out from the water left behind as a result of the fire department's rescue efforts. Also, our Brookfield crew has the training and equipment to eradicate tough smoke smells and soot completely. That said, our team has come up with some steps that you can take to protect your home from further damage while you are waiting for us to arrive.  

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first: 

  • Is it safe to stay in the house? 
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. 
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. 
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful! 

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (203) 743-5362

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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