What to Do if You Have Fire or Smoke Damage:

1. Area Rugs: remove or roll to prevent further contamination from walking.
2. Food: Discard open food packages as the food could be contaminated.
3. Refrigerator: After electricity has been turned off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Keep the doors open or place charcoal inside.
4. Clothing: Use a professional dry cleaner to properly clean soiled clothing.
5. Prevent Damage: Clean chrome or Formica in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent damage or tarnishing. Wipe off the residue from porcelain and bath fixtures to prevent further damage or etching.
6. Heating and Cooling System: change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air. Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
7. Odor: Air out the house if the temperature is over 60 degrees.
8. Call right away for professional help. Soot and smoke damage continue to cause corrosion.

What Not to Do if You Have Fire or Smoke Damage:

1. Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner.
2. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
3. Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
4. Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
5. Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
6. Do not touch anything. Oil on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.