Fire Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of fire, and when fire does occur, that it is possible for firefighters effectively combat them.

Check smoke detectors

Working smoke detectors can save lives. What may start as a small kitchen fire can quickly spread. Make sure to keep smoke detectors fully charged and operational.

Create a firebreak around your home

A firebreak is a gap in vegetation that will stop or slow the spread of a wildfire. Having flammable vegetation directly surrounding a home will make it extremely difficult for fire fighters to save it.

  1. a) Maximum height of 4 inches
    b) Located within 100 feet of any building or structure, or to the property line, whichever is nearer
    c) Located within 50 feet from the edge of any improved roadway
    d) Located within 50 feet from each property line
    e) Located within 10 feet on each side of driveways

Fire wise landscaping

Replacing plants that are prone to fire with plants that are more fire resistant can dramatically reduce the risk of fire around a home. Some fantastic fire-resistant plant options include: all species of ice plant, wild strawberry, carnations, and all succulents. In general, look for moist, supple leaves, and plants with little sap production. Keep in mind that fire resistant plants can still ignite, but they can reduce the risk of fire and make it easier for firefighters to access the home during the event of a fire

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (805) 466-6618

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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