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- Close and lock all doors and windows (if possible). Close or block any other openings that might
allow unauthorized access to your property.
- Cover any holes or openings in the roof. This will protect your property against further damage
from the elements. If you need professional assistance for this task, consult your Claim Adjuster.
- Electricity and heat should be turned back on in your home by a qualified person. This should be
done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the structure.
- If heat cannot be restored to your home immediately in cold weather, a vendor (plumber or
contractor) should be hired to drain your water supply lines. The water heater should also be drained
and both the hot and cold water lines should be blown out with air. Antifreeze should be placed in
all sinks, toilet bowls and tub traps, and do not forget to drain the water tanks of your toilets.
- Prevent heat from escaping the building in cold weather by completely sealing the structure.
- Change furnace filters before turning on the furnace, blower or central air conditioning.
- Double layers of cheesecloth should be taped over all air registers to reduce the spread of soot until
the furnace and air ducts are cleaned.
- Move all pets to an uncontaminated environment, particularly birds.
- Prevent soot particles from being ground into upholstery and carpets. Start by limiting entry to and
movement within your home. Remember to keep your hands clean. Touching walls, woodwork or
upholstery with sooty hands can cause further damage.
- Do not turn on any empty water heaters that have been fully drained. Doing so may permanently
damage or destroy them.
- If upholstery is dry, cover it with sheets. Do not cover wet upholstery.
- Use an undamaged vacuum cleaner (one that hasn't been exposed to extreme heat, fire or water) to
blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from drapes, carpet and upholstery.
- A light coating of petroleum jelly or light oil will clean and protect chrome trim on appliances and
bath fixtures.
- If the electricity is off, completely empty your refrigerator and freezer. Use rolled towels or folded
newspapers to prop the doors open to ventilate stale odors. Charcoal briquettes can be used to
absorb stale odors from inside the unit.
- Wash both sides of the leaves of all house plants. (Softened water is particularly useful for this).
- Do not wash walls or painted surfaces. Hire professionals who will use the proper chemicals for
best results.
- Treat smoke and damaged garments with care. Improper cleaning may not only fail to remove
smoke odor, but permanently set it. Cleaning experts should be told what has happened to your
garments so that special deodorizing and cleaning techniques can be applied.
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