Emergency Damage Control Tips: Smoke/Fire Damage

At ServiceMaster Clean, we understand that any home emergency is stressful. From our technical expertise to our communication with you, we are dedicated to restoring peace of mind the same way we are dedicated to restoring homes.  

When fire, smoke or water unexpectedly damage your home, the first steps you take could mean the difference between a small cleanup and a more costly and time-consuming restoration.

Knowing when to call in a professional can also save you time in getting your life back to normal and money by preventing further damage to your home. ServiceMaster Clean restoration professionals help return your home to normal, as quickly as possible, while restoring your peace of mind that the job was done right.

What to do when there is smoke/fire damage:

• Corrosive byproducts can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call for professional help.
• 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.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
• Discard any open food packages.
• If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner.

What not to do when there is smoke/fire damage:

• 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. 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.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

Follow these steps to help keep the damage to a minimum and call in the professionals at ServiceMaster by McKenzie Taylor.