We have been teaching approximately 15 Continuing Education classes per month since the beginning of the year and have found one common question that arises every time we discuss smoke and soot damage: “What are the first things we should tell an insured if they have smoke or soot damage?” Below, you will find a simple list of Do’s and Don’ts that we have compiled to empower you in assisting homeowners and business owners prior to the on-scene arrival or a certified restoration company like RestorePro.

Note: These are only to be performed once the fire department and/or fire inspector clears a building for re-entry.

DO NOT. . .

• Don’t attempt to wipe or wash the walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces. Soot needs specialized attention for successful removal.
• Don’t sit or lie on upholstered furniture, if possible.
• Don’t use exposed food goods or canned goods that have been subject to excessive heat.
• Don’t use TVs, stereos, or any other electrical appliances until cleaned and checked, this includes ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
• Don’t send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner - improper cleaning may set the smoke odor.
• Don’t walk on carpets and floors unless you put down clean sheets or towels. You don’t want to grind the soot in or carry it to other areas on your feet.
• Don’t use personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, hairbrush or open medications.

DO…

• Open all windows
• Blow, carefully brush, or vacuum loose soot from carpet, drapes, and upholstered furniture.
• Be sure your hands are always clean. You don’t want to spread the soot around.
• Close doors on affected areas to slow down spread of smoke odor.
• Wipe off metal items to prevent tarnishing.
• Wipe down bath fixtures so that the soot doesn’t etch them (smoke is acidic).
• Empty the freezer and the refrigerator completely if electricity is off. Prop doors open.
• Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.
• Change the HVAC filter.
• Tape damp cheesecloth over air registers. This will keep the soot in the air out of the HVAC system.

For additional information on smoke and soot hazards, clean up and general facts go to Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration.