Emergency Tips
Fire & Smoke 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 professional restoration cleaner rather than a dry
     cleaning company.

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 house plants to remove smoke residue.

Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.

Tape cheese cloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.

This is even more effective if the cheese cloth is damp.

If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odour.

Call ServiceMASTER 24 Hour Emergency Service (705) 742-4766 or 1-800-433-7382.

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.

Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could
     compound the soot problem.

Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them
     checked. They could malfunction.

Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.

Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork,
     causing further damage.

Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.

Do not wait to call professional help.