Restoration & Repair    |   Fire

• Make sure that either the fire department or your utility provider has deemed your water, electricity or gas safe to use before restarting.
• Upon reentering the site, watch for structural damage. Ceilings and roofs may be compromised and subject to collapse.
• Food, beverages, and medicine exposed to heat, smoke, soot and water should not be consumed.
• If it is necessary to leave the site unoccupied, notify local police. It may also be necessary to board up openings to discourage vandalism.
• In the event of relocation, notify the following: insurance company/agent, mortgage company, family and friends, employer, children's schools, post office and other delivery services, utility company.
• Contact your local disaster relief service, such as American Red Cross or Salvation Army, for help with immediate needs.
• Ask your insurance agent or company what actions are required of you. Policies may specify how to address the immediate needs of the dwelling, such as covering exposed areas and pumping out water. You may also be required to take inventory of damaged property with quantity and price details.
• Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made.
• Save all receipts from the time of the fire. These will be necessary for both insurance and income tax claims.

Do...

• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Change furnace filter if blower is operating.
• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances or bathroom fixtures with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
• Open windows for ventilation.
• Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off and prop doors open.
• If the heat is off in winter, call a plumber to drain heating and pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing.

Do Not...

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
• Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided.
• Use exposed food items or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat or smoke.
• Use TV's, stereos or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
• Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Special procedures are required to fully eliminate smoke odor.
• Do not enter the damaged site without clearance from the fire department. Fires can rekindle from smoldering embers or residual heat.