ON SITE IN 90 MINUTES
Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration
Behavior of Smoke
A fire loss is very complex because of the unique behavior of smoke. It is important to have trained technicians at the loss location.
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process.
Types of Smoke
The first step at a fire scene is to calm the fears of those affected. Next, our technicians tests the smoke to see which of the following types of fire took place.
- Wet Smoke - Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
- Dry Smoke - Fast burning at high temperatures.
- Protein - Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes. Extreme pungent odor.
- Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puff backs cause fuel oil soot.
- Other Types - Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue are other types.
Pretesting
After the type of smoke is known, pretesting on the property is performed to determine the following:
- What can be restored versus what can be replaced
- The most effective cleaning method
- Conditions to the property before the damage occurred
- The full extent of the loss
- Eliminate needless replacements
Pretesting also allows the us to focus on saving precious items for you, and that is what really matters!
Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives.
Do:
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets
- Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
- Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets
- 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 filter
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers
Don’t:
- Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting us
- Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting us
- Attempt to 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
- Use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water (They may be contaminated)
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged
- Send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor
