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Emergency Damage Control Tips: Smoke/Fire Damage

5/14/2012

3 Comments

 
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.


3 Comments
Angela Waterford link
9/25/2019 10:43:50 am

There was a small fire in my house that erupted last week, but thankfully, only the kitchen suffered some damages that might still be fixed. You're right about saying that I should avoid touching anything in there with my bare hands to avoid getting health problems. I think I'll hire a company to restore my kitchen to its former condition so I can finally cook food in there again.

Reply
Angela Waterford link
10/11/2019 07:29:25 am

A part of my kitchen was consumed by the small fire that erupted in it yesterday. Thanks for the tip that I can tape some damp cheesecloth on the supply registers so I can trap some soot that may be left there. I think I'll hire a restoration service to help me out in getting my kitchen back in working order so I can cook in there again.

Reply
Adam Golightly link
3/9/2021 02:40:49 pm

My uncle has just bought a new home that he wants to fix up to sell, and make a lot more money. He would really like to get some help from a professional to repair the damage from a fire that the last owners had in the home. I'll be sure to tell him about how he shouldn't try to clean walls, carpet, upholstered furniture, ceiling fixtures, or touch anything with his bare hands.

Reply



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