After the Fire!

MANY COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS FOR CLEANING AND RESTORING WOOD ARE FLAMMABLE AND EXPOSURE TO THE FUMES MAY BE HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH. READ AND FOLLOW ALL DIRECTIONS AND CAUTIONS CAREFULLY.

FOOD

Discard any food items exposed to fire, smoke or heat.  Even canned goods, which have been exposed to heat may be unsafe.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

1. If your furnace still works, change the filter immediately.  You may have to change the filter again after a few days because of air borne soot, dirt and other contaminants.  Contacting a mechanical contractor is recommended.

2. Clean and protect chrome trim with Petroleum Jelly or other light oil (unless not applicable).

3. Wash plants with clear water; take care to clean both sides of the leaves and the stem.

4. Do not operate any VCR, video equipment, TV, stereo, computer, or electrical appliance until it has been checked and cleaned. If a dry power fire extinguisher was used and there is a film on any electrical or electronic unit, vacuum the powder off as soon as possible. Prolonged contact with the dry powder chemical can ruin electrical equipment.

5. If your electrical power was turned off for more than a few hours, discard all the contents of your  refrigerator and freezer. Until the power is restored, use a roll of paper towels or a wad of newspapers to keep the refrigerator and/or freezer doors open and allow air to circulate. If the doors are shut and the units are not operating, permanent odors will set inside the units.

6. If the weather is below freezing and you cannot heat your house, consider contacting a contractor for assistance. 

7. If your pets have been exposed to smoke, fire or heat, have them examined by a veterinarian.

 

WATER DAMAGE

1. Remove as much excess water as possible by   mopping, pumping, vacuuming with a wet vac, etc.

2. Remove and elevate wet upholstery cushions to allow even drying on all surfaces.

3. Place aluminum foil, saucers, or wood blocks     between furniture legs and carpets.

4. Linoleum must be treated delicately. If water gets under linoleum, it can cause odors and warp the sub floor. Check with an experienced flooring dealer for assistance on treating your linoleum.

5.  Rugs should be removed, cleaned, and dried.    Carpets should be vacuumed with a wet vac to   remove as much moisture as possible, then clean and dry the carpets. If there is an odor after the carpets have been cleaned and dried, the carpets probably have to be pulled and the padding replaced.

 6. In the summer, if you have air conditioning, run the A/C as much as possible to promote drying.  In the winter, open the windows.

7. Remove paintings and other artwork and store

them in a safe place until all repair/restoration work is completed.

8. Open suitcases and other luggage to dry, place in the sunlight if possible.

9. Do not go into any room where the ceiling is sagging.

 

DON’TS

1. Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperatures. If fur or leather goods have serious smoke damage, consult an expert on the best way to clean and remove the damage.

2. Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.

3. Don't use a household vacuum to pick up water, only use a shop vac or wet vac, one that is capable of removing water.

4. Don't operate any electrical equipment when you are standing on a wet surface.

FIRE DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY

 

Some damage may have been caused by the necessary fire suppression activities including breaking out windows and cutting holes in the walls and roof. When a fire burns inside a building, it creates a large mass of very hot gases and smoke. By opening the windows and roof, we "vent" the smoke and gases out of your house. This cools the fire and allows for us to put it out in less time.

You may also see openings cut on interior walls. These openings allow us to inspect inside the walls. We have to be sure that there is no fire behind your drywall or plaster.  Often, people want to go back into their home immediately after a fire, even if it is just to look around. Usually, it is unsafe to do this and we must prevent you from going in. However, if in our opinion, it is safe to enter your building, we will escort you inside.

 
If your smoke detectors alerted you, we commend you for having these life saving devices. If your smoke detectors didn't work, please tell us.

 

Again, we are sorry that you suffered the devastation of a fire. If you have any questions, or if there is anything else we can do to help, please call us at 701-857-4740, or stop the Headquarters fire station.