Tasks You Can Safely Do Before Fire Restoration Help Arrives | SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and Islands

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands is a leading name in commercial cleanup and restoration on Cape Cod & the Islands.

Learning you’ve been affected by a home fire is a devastating feeling. While the damage fires cause can often be mitigated with restoration, it’s important to hire a professional to ensure the cleanup is done properly.

Working with a professional has several benefits, including working with the homeowner’s insurance company on your behalf and helping the restoration happen more quickly. However, as you’re waiting for help to arrive, it’s natural to want to do what you can to get started.

While some things should always be left to the professionals, there are a few tasks you can start to get your life back to normal even faster. If you find yourself needing to start on fire restoration ASAP, here are three things you can safely do:

Laundry

As most items will need to be washed several times, if your washer and dryer have not been affected by the fire, starting laundry right away is a great way to help the cleanup process. Begin by washing any clothing, bedding or other machine washable materials with an alkaline cleaner or vinegar solution—but leave delicate fabrics, upholstery and curtains to professional care.

Increased Ventilation

Weather permitting, let outside air into the house as much as possible. Open windows and doors to dissipate the smoke smell, and let them remain open as long as you are able. While the restoration team will bring industrial-grade equipment to aid this process once they arrive, this is a small step you can take toward helping the process along.

Preliminary Cleaning

Non-porous surfaces such as countertops and tile can withstand a preliminary scrub with soap and water to cut through the initial layer of grime. Use a mild dish soap or alkaline cleaner to begin, and let the professionals handle the usage of anything more heavy-duty. If you’re unsure, it’s best to wait for the professionals, as cleaning improperly can result in more severe and even permanent damage to your surfaces.

If your home has been affected by a fire, SERVPRO®’s team of professionals is trained and ready to help.