After fire and smoke ravage your home or business it is crucial to take prompt action in order to minimize long-term damage.

The safe steps listed here can help you in restoring your property and belongings to pre-loss condition. Improper steps or cleaning actions can become costly mistakes that damage your things beyond repair. Follow these Do’s and Don’ts of fire damage to maximize your recovery:

DO

• Limit movement to prevent soot particles from spreading into the upholstery and carpets.
• Change furnace filters.
• Cover upholstery with sheets (if the upholstery is not wet from putting the fire out).
• Open windows for ventilation if weather permits.
• Empty the freezer and refrigerator completely if the electricity gets shut off, and prop doors open with rolled towel or newspaper. Discard opened food packages as they could have been contaminated.
• Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to a clean air environment.
• Have clothing with heavy smoke damage be packed out and cleaned by a professional restoration cleaner like ServiceMaster by JTS rather than any dry cleaning company.
• Take pictures of the damage as records for your insurance agent.

DON’T

• Use electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
• Use at-home carpet or upholstery cleaners; you may actually smudge the soot deeper into the fibers.
• Wash any wallpapered or flat painted walls. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue.
• Eat any food that may have been exposed to heat. It could be contaminated with micro particulates.

Remember, fire and smoke damage are best dealt with by a professional that knows the complex chemical interactions involved in soot and fire. Don’t risk further damaging your belongings – call today!