This damage can continue as remaining free-floating smoke settles on horizontal surfaces and contents.Fire does burn, but residual smoke may burn as well. This is sometimes called etching, pitting, or chemical burning. Quick response and action are critical. The more time that elapses before treatment, the greater the damage.

• Complex Fire - Multiple and synthetic items inside the structure have burned; black smoke residue is on the contents and surfaces; synthetic smoke odor exists; emergency corrosion mitigation is needed to protect at-risk surfaces.
• Kitchen or Protein Fire - Food from the oven or stove has burned; strong burnt food odor exists; smoke residue is on contents and surfaces.
• Natural Fire - Trees, shrubs, and bushes have burned (example: Forest fire); smoke has penetrated the structure from outside; smoke residue and odor are present.
• Furnace Malfunction - Heating appliances such as oil-fired furnaces have malfunctioned and cause smoke to be distributed throughout the property.

For Keeping Home or Business Safe from Fire and Smoke Damage

• Place a smoke alarm on each floor of your home or business (and one in each bedroom at home)
• Store fire extinguishers within reach in the kitchen and utility areas
• Schedule service and cleaning annually for furnaces, heating systems, chimneys, and fireplaces
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits. Check extension cords and fuse boxes or circuit breakers, making sure there is never a combination of appliances that exceeds 1500 watts on the same circuit.

In the Event of Fire or Smoke Damage

• Corrosive byproducts can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call for professional help.
• If the outdoor temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
• Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain, and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
• Discard any open food packages.
• If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave its doors propped open.
• Gather heavily smoke-damaged clothing. We work closely with a qualified restoration dry cleaner that will work to restore your clothes to their pre-loss state
• Do not touch anything. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing additional damage.
• Do not wash walls. Incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Do not use electrical appliances until they have been checked. ServiceMaster has a close relationship with Texas Electronics Cleaning who can assist you in restoring your electronics their pre-loss state.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet 79 g.