Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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When a fire hits your central Illinois home or your business, the resulting damage can be devastating. Fires usually catch you off guard, but the blaze that you see engulfing your home or office requires immediate attention.

Whether your home had a small kitchen fire, a grilling mishap burnt the side of your house, or an electrical fire significantly damaged your home, after the fire is extinguished, the thought of dealing with the destruction the fire left in its path is overwhelming.

If your home is uninhabitable after a fire or if it is just partially damaged, having to continue on with your life while the fire damage clean-up is underway is one of the most stressful things about house fires. Fortunately, SERVPRO of Bloomington/Pontiac  will begin work on your home as soon as possible. From that point forward, we will do everything we can to revive your home quickly so that your life can resume as it was before the fire.

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!

You need to stay focused and do a few things that can ensure your safety and the safety of the people around you.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (309) 827-7500

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.