Kitchen Fire at St. Mary's Home Leaves Substantial Damage

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Many fires start when cooking food is left unattended on the stovetop.

The accompanying photograph shows some of the damage that occurred as a result of a kitchen fire at a St. Marys home. The fire was caused when a person cooking left food unattended on the stove. 

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage, and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast professionals arrive. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

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.

If you have fire damage, call SERVPRO of Fernandina Beach/Jacksonville Northeast at 904.729.2401 as soon as possible.