Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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A fire in your home can cause serious damage. Your home and many of the things in your home may be badly damaged by flames, heat, smoke and water.  It is important to understand the risk to your safety and health even after the fire is out. The soot and dirty water left behind may contain things that could make you sick.



  • If you have insurance, contact your insurance company.
    • Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired.
    • Ask your insurance company for recommendations of companies you can trust.
  • Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter.
  • Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.
  • Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.
  • If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know the site will be vacant.
  • Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fi re loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (951) 351-8033

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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