Fire, Smoke & Soot Damage
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Mitigation is essential in
fire and smoke damage.
Even when
the fire is out, the damage continues. Much of the
material found in the furniture and flooring is synthetic. When
burned, synthetics create a variety of complex chemical reactions.
After only a few days, these items go from cleanable to
unsalvageable.
The professionals of
ServiceMaster South Shore are experts in understanding the
chemical combinations that can effectively clean and salvage
belongings. They can even remove soot from at-risk items such as
brass, aluminum, chrome, marble, tile, and porcelain as well as
fabrics in upholstery and carpets, thus helping to avoid
additional expenses.
We use the latest equipment
and supplies in our five step fire and smoke restoration process:
- Emergency pre-cleaning
- Content cleaning
- Content pack-out
- Wall and ceiling cleaning
- Deodorization
What to do if you have
smoke/fire damage
ü
Blow off or brush vacuum loose
soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
ü Cover carpeted traffic areas
with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
ü
Discard open food packages.
The food could be contaminated.
ü
If electrical service is off,
clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped
open or place charcoal in the unit.
ü
Send clothing with heavy smoke
damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in
smoke damage.
ü
Clean Formica and chrome
fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent
tarnishing.
ü
Wipe residue from porcelain
bath fixtures to prevent etching.
ü
Wipe the leaves of houseplants
to remove smoke residue.
ü
Change the air filter on your
furnace if it uses forced hot air.
ü
Tape cheesecloth over intake
and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
ü
If the outside temperature is
above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
Important warning signs on
smoke and fire damage
Ø
Do not attempt to wash any
papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional
cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot
residue problem.
Ø
Do not attempt to clean
carpets or upholstered furniture. Again incorrect procedures could
increase damage.
Ø
Do not use electrical
appliances that have been close to fire or water before having
them checked. They could malfunction.
Ø
Do not use ceiling fixtures if
the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
Ø
Do not touch anything. Soot on
your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing
further damage.
Ø
Do not east food that has been
exposed to fire or smoke.
Ø
Do not wait to call for
professional help.
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