Fire and Water Damage FAQs

Water and Flood Care tips

• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Gather loose items from floors.

What not to do after a flood

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods. 
• Don’t leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors. 
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water. 
• Don’t use television or other household appliances. 
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms
• where ceilings are sagging.

Fire Care tips

• 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 Vaseline or oil.
• Wash house plants 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 your SERVPRO® Professional.
• 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.