Do's and Don'ts of California Wildfire Cleanup

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

California Wildfire Cleanup

Strong winds and low relative humidity in the past have caused wildfires to spread throughout California rapidly. Droughts along with high temperatures have caused dry conditions across fire-prone areas, further fueling the wildfires spread. While homes and businesses may not be destroyed during a wildfire’s uncontrolled spreading, there may still be significant damages suffered as a result.

Personal safety is a significant concern in the event of a wildfire. The first several days after the fire is controlled are critical to preventing irreversible smoke and soot damage. As soon as the local authorities confirm that it is safe to return to your home or business, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa offers the following dos and don’ts when facing wildfire damage to help minimize additional harmful effects.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into the upholstery.
• Keep hands clean as soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpet.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances with Vaseline or oil light coating.
• Wash house plants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over registers.

DON’T:

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that might have been stored near the fire, heat, or water. They may have been contaminated.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet because the wiring may be damaged.
• Do not send garments to your standard dry cleaner as improper cleaning may allow smoke odor to set.

Regardless of the Fire Damage, SERVPRO Can Help

Wildfire damage knows no bounds and can cause widespread damage, so it is vital to contact a company you can trust to step up to the plate. Regardless of the extent of the damage, SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa can handle any size disaster. Our Disaster Recovery Team will respond quickly with additional resources during catastrophic events like the wildfires in California.