What actions can you take?
Throughout the House
Keep movement to a minimum and keep your hands clean as your work. Both these measures will help prevent soot particles from penetrating upholstery, carpets, walls, and woodwork – thereby causing more damage.
Upholstery
Brush off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles. Then cover upholstered furniture with sheets.
Drapes & Carpeting
Brush off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles. Place clean, dry towels or linens over carpets in heavy traffic areas to prevent further soiling.
House Plants
Wash off both sides of leaves. Softened water helps.
Ventilation Systems
Change furnace and air conditioning filters. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air grilles.
Food & Drink
Take inventory, and then discard any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to heat, fire or water. They could be contaminated.
Refrigerator & Freezer
If the electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop open the doors.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
If the heat is off and it’s freezing weather, pour anti-freeze down sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs. Clean and protect chrome on faucets and appliances with a light coating of WD-40.
What not to do!
Walls
To prevent soot from setting permanently, don’t try to wash or paint. You can end up causing more damage if this is not handled the right way.
Carpet & Upholstery
To prevent odor from setting permanently, don’t attempt cleaning without first contacting your Cronic Disaster Services Representative. We have the right tools and solutions to get the odors out of your home.
Electrical Appliances Don’t try to clean or repair TVs, radios, computers or any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water.
Clothing
Don’t try to dry clean or launder smoke damaged items. After a fire, it takes a lot more than a run through the washer and dryer. We have trained professionals to help you get your clothes smelling good again.
Ceiling Fixtures
Do not switch on any ceiling fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged.