What do I do when I have a fire?
What To Do If You Have Fire Or Smoke Damage
- Area Rugs: Roll up to prevent additional soiling from walking on them.
- Food: Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
- Refrigerator: If electricity is turned off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
- Clothing: Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner that specializes in smoke damage.
- Prevent Damage: Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing. Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
- Heating and Cooling System: change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air. Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
- Odor: If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
- Do Not Wait: Call for professional help. Smoke and soot do more damage as they sit.
What Not To Do If You Have Fire Or Smoke Damage
- Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
- Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
- Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
- Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
- Do not touch anything. Oil on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.