The Do’s and Don’ts of
Fire, Smoke and Water Damage
If you experience damage due to fire, smoke or water, follow this check list of do’s and don’ts to minimize your damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage

Do:
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot
particles from being embedded 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 and carpet traffic areas.
• Place clean towels or old liners 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 a
light coating of Vaseline.
• Pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls and
tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air
registers to stop particles of soot from getting in
or out of the HVAC system.

Don’t:
• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered
furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV
sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire,
heat or water.
• Consume 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 the dry cleaner. Improper
cleaning may set smoke odor.
 

Water Damage

Do:
• Remove as much excess water as possible by
mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after
removal of lamps and table top items.
• Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow
cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between
furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in
summer.
• Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from
wet wall-to-wall carpets.
• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a
safe, dry place.
• Open and place luggage in sunlight to dry if
possible.
• Gather loose items, toys, etc. from floors.

Don’t:
• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as
possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry
separately at room temperature.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on
wet carpets or floors.
• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TV’s or other household appliances while
standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not
on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.