Restoration Tips
After fire damage, a building and its contents must be cleaned; however, knowledge of what to do and what not to do is important. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration.
Do ...
- Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
- Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery, and carpet.
- Open windows for ventilation
- Change furnace filter if blower is operating.
- Empty freezer and refrigerator if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
- Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings, and towel bars with a light coating of oil.
- Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in the winter.
- Wash both sides of plant leaves with water (water softener helps).
- Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter.
- Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments.
Don't ...
- Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces.
- Use upholstered furniture unless unavoidable.
- Use exposed food items or canned goods subjected to excessive heat.
- Use TVs, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
- Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can set smoke and odor.
These Emergency Tips were compiled by members of the National Institute for Disaster Restoration and are based on their wide experience in this field. It is not likely that you will require all steps listed, so examine your situation and use those steps that common sense dictates. For more information, please contact us to day.
Remember, when it comes time to restore your prized possessions, rest easy. ESPO Fire & Water is a member of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration and is a Certified Master Cleaner and Restorer.
ESPO and InterArch did a $2.5 million dollar reconstruction project for The Willows condominium complex consisting of 38 units that burned down to the slab. John is a very honest and ethical gentleman, and a very fine contractor.
Bob Wright, Architect, InterArchThere was smoke damage throughout the house. There was water damage where they put out the fire. ESPO came in that same day and got work started immediately to get our house back in shape again. They were very honest, they got the job done, and they were very professional. ESPO did a great job. This house is better than it ever has been, so we're real pleased with the final result.
Kraus FamilyMy husband and I thought we were making a smart decision to replace our shake shingle roof with a composition one. But we didn't realize that when the decking and shingles were hammered down, our 75-year-old plaster ceiling would fall down in huge chunks. This created an awful mess. The whole ceiling had to be taken down. I had friends arriving from out of town. I learned that ESPO Fire & Water could bring in a team of plasterers, cleaners, painters, and lots more professionals who could fix the damage and clean up the mess, which had now spread throughout the house. They did what they'd said they'd do and in the time they said they'd do it. We are very grateful to ESPO Fire & Water. They saved the day and did a great job.
Carol McGraw
