What to Do Until Help Arrives

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Your home is your castle and its natural for you to want to get your possessions back in order after a fire damage. Timely action is called for, but if incorrectly done, can aggravate the problem.

Fire & Smoke Damage

Do:

• Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can impregnate upholstery, walls and wood work, causing more damage.
• Blow off or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and carpet traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open. 
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bath room faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.
• Pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Wash off house plants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Cover upholstery with old sheets before use.
• Tape double layers of cheese cloth over air registers.

Don't

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces with out first contacting a professional; restoration service.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture with out first consulting a professional restoration service.
• attempt to clean and electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, ECT. that may have been close to fire, heat and water with out consulting an authorized repair service.
• Use any canned or package food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat and water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke ordo.