Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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The First Step in Addressing Yakima Fire Damage

Yakima homes and businesses can be rapidly overwhelmed by a fire. This emergency is one of the most common callouts for our SERVPRO professionals, so we have an ever-growing roster of FSRT-Certified technicians ready to help when disasters strike. We mobilize quickly in an emergency to begin crucial mitigation steps, including debris removal, content relocation, water removal, and soot and smoke damage assessment.

Can You Start with DIY Cleaning Until SERVPRO Arrives? 

Rarely can you improve conditions within the house with immediate actions following a fire. SERVPRO is often prepared to begin cleanup when first responders clear the home for entry, but when homeowners can act, they should first be mindful of their safety to avoid injury and harm. Homeowners must consider the following:

  • The limit of work possible 
  • Soot and airborne contaminants create a volatile environment
  • Destruction is possible with improper soot cleaning
  • The structural integrity of the building

What Steps Can Homeowners Take Before Restoration Begins?

It is not typically possible for homeowners to make substantial changes to their homes following a fire to benefit the restoration process. Your insurance company rarely wants you to act upon the conditions of the house and would instead entrust it to professionals with hazardous environments from circulating contaminants. Yakima homeowners can appreciate our SERVPRO team’s fast response to limit the desire to risk their safety to begin the mitigation steps independently.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (509) 972-6707

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.

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