Small Steps You Can Take to Help with Fire Restorations

8/18/2017 (Permalink)

Say no to fire damage, and say yes to SERVPRO fire damage restoration.

Step By Step Guide to Restore Your Residential Fire Damage

Although most of the cleaning and restoration work should be left to our professionals, there are still some things you can do for fire damage in your home before SERVPRO arrives. With proper safety precautions, you may be able to make some slight adjustments and cleaning efforts around the house to hasten our work and ensure a more thorough job done. However, safety is paramount, and you should never attempt any of these suggestions if the structure seems unstable or if there are obvious risks in the vicinity.

Wash Houseplants

Houseplants can be highly fragile in the aftermath of Bergen County fire damage - especially the more expensive breeds and varieties. Giving them a quick scrub around any stems and on both sides of leaves encourages their survival and check one more thing off our to-do list once we arrive.

Change HVAC Filters

If it is accessible, we highly recommend replacing the filters in your HVAC system. Even if there are no visible signs of damage, your HVAC system is almost certainly filled with microscopic smoke and soot particles which continue to circulate and create long-lasting odors. Removing your filters now helps to contain some of these particulate smoke matter and reduce the time we spend on deodorization.

Keep Movement to a Minimum

When SERVPRO technicians arrive at your home, you may observe them following strict paths of movement or avoiding areas altogether. Unrestricted movement about the home only serves to press soot and ash into flooring and other materials, in addition to kicking up dust and spreading odors around. Try to keep your movement in and around the home to a minimum whenever possible.

Empty the Fridge

If the power has gone out or needs to be shut off, you might want to get everything out of your refrigerator before it is too late. This oft-forgotten part of the home becomes far more noticeable after a few days when thawed food products begin to create odors of their own. In the interest of your food and our technicians' workflow, please remove all food from the refrigerator and prop open its doors.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Teaneck / Englewood is well-equipped to deal with any variety of fire damage, large or small. Call us anytime you need help at (201) 266-0482.

For more information regarding the city of Bergen County, click here.