Smoke and Fire Remediation Strategies: First Response

If you’re in the midst of a water, fire or smoke disaster, here are some ways to mitigate the damage.

What to do if you have smoke/fire damage

• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• 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.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.