Fire and Smoke Do's and Dont's

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

Do: 

• Limit the movement in the house to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place dry, colorfast towels on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open
• Clean soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances and protect with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil 
• Pour RV antifreeze into sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs if heat is off during the freezing season
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot 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 Franchise Professional
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc...) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service 
• Consume any canned or packaged 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
• Send Garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor