Fire & Smoke Damage: What to Do

2/20/2019 (Permalink)

This photo was taken prior to work beginning at a home in Gulf Shores, AL. The fire was caused by an issue with the house's electrical wiring.

Do

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and high traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, poor RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system. 
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers top stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.