What to Do When You Have Fire and Smoke Damage - Download the PDF

When you’ve suffered the trauma and loss of a fire, Swartz Contracting will help you take the necessary steps to get life back to normal after a fire related disaster. We possess the skills, specialized equipment and internal systems necessary to help minimize your loss and get you back to normal faster!

From emergency roof tarps and board-ups, to guaranteed smoke odor and soot damage removal to full reconstruction services, Swartz Contracting has the highly trained, certified technicians and fire restoration expertise to restore your property to pre-loss condition following the proper Standard of Care.

Call our 24-hour emergency line and we’ll get there as soon as possible. Until we arrive, here are some tips that can help you minimize additional damage and protect yourself and your property.

• Discard open food packages
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator.  Leave doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner.
• Clean Formica®, chrome, porcelain, and aluminum fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent tarnishing or etching.
• Change the air filter in your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheesecloth over the intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.  This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.
• Do not attempt to touch or wash any papered or flat painted walls without contacting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem and oil from your skin could cause additional damage.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.
• Do not touch anything.  Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to smoke.
• Do not wait to call for professional help.
• Do not attempt to start your computer as it may be subject to additional damage.