You can help speed up the fire and smoke damage restoration process before help arrives. The best advise is to stay out of the damaged area until help arrives. But if you can't do that, follow the tips below:
Try not to move around too much in your home. This will prevent soot particles from being disturbed and embedded into your carpet or wood floor.
Wash your hands. Soot on hands can further contaminate upholstery, walls and woodwork.
Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.
Wash house plants on both sides of leaves.
Change HVAC filters.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
DO NOT blow, brush or vacuum soot from upholstery, drapes and carpets. Done incorrectly and you could actually embed the soot.
DO NOT wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting us.
DO NOT shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting us.
DO NOT 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.
DO NOT use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water (They may be contaminated).
DO NOT turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
DO NOT send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
