Safety first after a fire loss has occurred

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire loss has occurred and the fire department has extinguished the fire, here are a few important things to remember while on site.  SAFETY FIRST! 

1. Determine if the site is safe to continue to reside in. Is it safe and still protected from the elements?  In some cases this is an option. It may be best to find a safe place for your family/pets to stay during the repair/remediation process. Speak with your insurance regarding displacement assistance and see if it is available under your policy.
2. Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards need to be addressed immediately. It is not simply fire damage that occurred - water from the fire department can cause almost as much damage as the fire did. Expect large puddles of water, soot, and debris.
3. Determine what your immediate needs are and only do activities that are safe.  Don’t trust furniture/structures to be stable. Use caution! Wet materials can be very heavy, do not attempt to move anything without testing its weight.
4. Be very careful walking on any flooring that received fire/water damage. DO NOT walk on affected floor joist and/or beams.
5. Do not attempt to eat/drink anything from an open food container. Especially if it was near the source of the fire and water damage. Keep in mind heated plastic containers can release deadly toxins into water/soda under the right conditions.
6. Don't attempt to wash the interior walls or clean carpet/upholstery without speaking to one of our cleaning specialists first. You may set the soot/smoke damage and limit the ability our ability to repair.
7. Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire without consulting an authorized repair service. Check with a specialist before assuming it is safe.
8. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged. Better safe than sorry!
9. Make sure and notify your electrical, gas, and water company of the loss.

 Last but most important try to stay calm and call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond at 660-240-5105, to evaluate and assist you further.  As scary as a fire can be, you should not face the situation alone. We are here as a resource for you!