Fire and Smoke Damage Tips

3/16/2016 (Permalink)

According to the NFPA cooking is the leading cause of house fires in the U.S. and 42% of house fires started in the Kitchen. Use timers and keep an eye on food when you are cooking.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilets bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on houseplants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of sott from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local SERVPRO.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV's, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor. (You may send them to one who regularly deals with restoration, ask us for names.)