Fire Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
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Help is Available in Shreveport After the Flames Go Out
When the rescue trucks and emergency vehicles leave after a fire, it is normal for your mind to race. You may question what to do next, worry about having a roof overhead, and often second-guess if you could have prevented the disaster. SERVPRO of South Shreveport wants you to know that you are not alone during this stressful time. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster and try to be by your side to help you make decisions.
Our initial focus is on your safety and well-being:
• Try to stay calm and pace yourself.
• Make sure everyone, including pets, is safe and gets needed medical treatment. Do not forget about emotional health too.
• Make friends and family aware that you are okay.
• If you haven’t done so, contact your insurance company. Your Shreveport fire department and other nonprofits can offer you resources.
• When it comes to re-entering your home, do not go back inside until local authorities say re-entry is safe. Even when given the okay, consider safety first.
Our Shreveport SERVPRO team is here to do the heavy lifting. We will:
• Coordinate a cleanup and restoration plan with your insurance company.
• Secure your home to prevent further damage.
• Identify soot- and smoke-damaged contents that can be saved.
• Pack and store your things if needed.
• Keep you informed about our progress.
• Make it, “Like it never even happened.”
Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (318) 865-4655
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.