Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Experiencing a building fire can be a harrowing event, but SERVPRO of Natick/Milford is here to help you restore all damage caused by a fire. After calling our team at SERVPRO Natick/Milford, we will get a crew out to you as soon as possible to begin the restoration process. While waiting, here are some tips you can take into account to ensure safety and prevent further damage. 

  • Get clearance from the Fire Marshal before obtaining access into the building.

  • When entering a building after a house fire, always wear a protective face mask to prevent inhaling any lingering residue from the smoke.

  • Relocate pets and children to other lodgings if the fire residues are too heavy.

  • Open windows for ventilation if the weather permits.

  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.



  • Stay away from any damaged areas that may be unsafe, including carpeting or furniture that has residue from the fire.

  • Take videos or pictures of the damage sustained as soon as possible.

  • Throw away of open food containers and contaminated foods, as well as food items and canned foods that were exposed to the heat. 

  • Don’t use any computers, TVs or other electrical appliances, as shorts in the wiring can cause electrocution.

  • Empty your refrigerator and freezer of their contents and prop open the doors to allow for proper ventilation.

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (774) 290-4300

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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