Do's and Don'ts After Fire Damage to your Home in Worcester

4/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our Technicians Arrive Quickly After Your Call to Assess the Damage and Formulate a Custom Cleaning and Remediation Plan

A question that we commonly hear at SERVPRO is: What can I do until you arrive? We aim to ensure We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, but of course, we understand that a person’s home is meaningful and full of personal belongings that they do not want to lose to fire damage. 
 
It is a natural instinct to try and clean soot-coated or charred items as quickly as possible after fire damage to your Worcester home. However, we would like you to be aware that some cleaning actions can make the situation worse and even lessen the chance of successful restoration. Here are the cleaning actions we recommend you avoid along with some things you can do while you wait for the restoration team. 
 
Do not try to clean upholstery, carpets, or walls. Soot damaged soft furnishings and walls require specialist cleaning, such as HEPA vacuuming. Attempting to clean them yourself might make the damage worse. 
 
Do not switch on or use electrical appliances. Smoke residues can be conductive and might ignite another blaze. Wait until the SERVPRO team arrives to inspect and, if possible, clean the item. 
 
Do not send clothes or soft furnishings to a dry cleaner who does not specialize in cleaning smoke-damaged items. We have access to powerful Esporta washers which were specifically designed to wash smoke damaged soft furnishings. 
 
Do place old, clean linens or colorfast towels over carpets, rugs or upholstered furniture to protect it from further harm. 
 
Do wash your hands regularly – soot has a propensity to cling to hands and clothes and is very easily spread throughout a home, thus causing further damage. 
 
Do try to limit movement into and out of the fire damaged area – this helps prevent the further spread of soot particles. 
 
SERVPRO arrives quickly and ready to tackle the aftermath of the blaze. We equip our IICRC-certified technicians with the skills and tools necessary to clean soot and smoke damage and restore your home. We also deodorize your home after cleaning is complete so it feels and smells fresh once more. 
 
For help with fire cleanup in Worcester, Cherry Valley and the surrounding areas, call SERVPRO of Worcester at (508) 757-7885.