Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Fire separates man from beast. The Smithsonian Magazine tells us that “wherever humans have gone in the world, they have carried with them two things, language and fire.”

In this way fire is what makes us human. But fire out of bounds is disruptive, but worse so, destructive. To a home or business fire can wreak havoc and disrupt life.

Our SERVPRO team exists in Longmont to respond to fire damage. We work to, as our motto goes, “Like it never even happened.” We respond to fire damage, address the fire-burned materials, the smoke damage, the soot, as well as the water damage from the firefighting efforts. 

Below we have put together some lists of tips on things to do before help arrives.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (720) 491-3989

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.