SMOKE/FIRE DAMAGE: ServiceMaster professionals will most likely be needed to complete your clean up and prevent further damage, but the following steps can be taken to help minimize further damage. |
|
What to do: |
|
- If the temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
- Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
- Limit movement in the house to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Place clean towels or old linens on the rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
- Tape cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
- Record and then discard any open food packages.
- If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
- Clothing with heavy smoke damage should be cleaned by a qualified restoration dry cleaner.
- Corrosive byproducts can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call ServiceMaster for professional help.
|
|
What not to do: |
|
- DO NOT touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing additional damage.
- DO NOT wash walls. Because of the chemical make up of the soot, incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.
- DO NOT attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
- DO NOT use electrical appliances until having them checked by an authorized repair service.
- DO NOT use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
- DO NOT use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
|
|