After fire or smoke damage it is natural to want to react immediately and start cleaning the structure and contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect action can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration. The following common sense actions can help minimize long-term fire and smoke damage.


DO . . .

• Keep movement throughout the location to a minimum to help prevent soot particles from spreading or becoming impregnated into upholstery and carpets.
• Open windows for ventilation (if weather permits)
• Close interior doors to localize smoke as much as possible
• Install fan to ventilate smoke to the outside
• Change furnace filter if blower is operating
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery , drapes and carpets being careful not to smear them
• Cover upholstery with sheets (unless it has been dampened)
• Clean smoked chrome trim on kitchen appliances and smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings, towel bars and other plumbing fixtures with soap and water
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps)
• Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
• Remove all jewelry, firearms, and other valuables to a safe place
• Remove brass and copper items and clean them
• Remove pets (especially birds) to a clean environment
• Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter
• Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter
  
  

DO NOT . . .

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Sit upon or use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided
• Use do-it-yourself carpet and upholstery cleaners
• Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat
• Use TVs, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked
• Send smoked clothes, draperies, or other garments to an ordinary dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may permanently set smoke stain and odor