Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

SERVPRO of North Pensacola understands that cooking equipment is a leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in the home.

To help prevent fire damage, SERVPRO of North Pensacola shares these tips. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

Many kitchen items can catch fire, including: dish towels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
Keep flammable items at least three feet from the stove top
Do not allow children within two to four feet of the stove or oven
If you must leave the house while cooking of any kind, turn off the heat sources

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

SERVPRO of North Pensacola reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage.

Find more information about kitchen fires, here.

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.

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.