Tips for Your Fire Emergency

Until Help Arrives

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

• Is it safe to stay in my house?
• Electrical and slippery hazards are central concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to execute.
• Wet materials can be extremely heavy – be careful!

What to do after a fire:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being absorbed into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so you don’t soil more 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 a Principle Restoration professional.
• 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 garnets to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.