Fire damage is a complicated matter because the damage continues even after the fire has been extinguished. Smoke damage can affect everything from walls and carpet to the pipes, ducts, and structure of your home. It takes an experienced eye to assess the full extent of smoke damage, so a fire damage restoration company should be contacted as soon as you’ve spoken with your insurance agent. Fire restoration professionals can help prevent further damage, determine which items can or can’t be saved, and provide estimates and services for thoroughly cleaning and deodorizing your home.
Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do after a fire.
Here’s a list of what you should and shouldn’t do after a fire.
DO get permission from the fire marshall to safely enter the building.
DO contact your insurance agent and hire a professional fire restoration company.
DO wear protective clothing and gear like gloves, face masks, and goggles.
DO get the air moving. Open windows to ventilate areas.
DO empty the refrigerator and freezer if the power is off. Prop doors open to allow ventilation inside.
DO dry wet items as soon as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies. If not thoroughly dried, carpets and floors underneath may be damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew.
DO clean brass, copper, and chrome items and fixtures. Smoke can etch brass or copper in 24 hours.
DO place aluminum foil or plastic wrap under furniture legs. Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
DO cover clean, dry items with plastic while restoration and repairs are in progress.
DON’T turn on ceiling fans or fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
DON’T attempt to clean soot from upholstery. Soot is oily and can easily stain textiles.
DON’T use water or water-based cleansers to wipe soot off the walls – it can cause permanent staining.
DON’T plug in or try to clean internal parts of electronics.
DON’T consume food, canned goods, drinks, or medication that were exposed to heat. Throw them out.
DO contact your insurance agent and hire a professional fire restoration company.
DO wear protective clothing and gear like gloves, face masks, and goggles.
DO get the air moving. Open windows to ventilate areas.
DO empty the refrigerator and freezer if the power is off. Prop doors open to allow ventilation inside.
DO dry wet items as soon as possible. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies. If not thoroughly dried, carpets and floors underneath may be damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew.
DO clean brass, copper, and chrome items and fixtures. Smoke can etch brass or copper in 24 hours.
DO place aluminum foil or plastic wrap under furniture legs. Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
DO cover clean, dry items with plastic while restoration and repairs are in progress.
DON’T turn on ceiling fans or fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
DON’T attempt to clean soot from upholstery. Soot is oily and can easily stain textiles.
DON’T use water or water-based cleansers to wipe soot off the walls – it can cause permanent staining.
DON’T plug in or try to clean internal parts of electronics.
DON’T consume food, canned goods, drinks, or medication that were exposed to heat. Throw them out.
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