Fire & Smoke Damage

Caution—What Not to Do

• Walls: To prevent soot from setting permanently, don't try to wash or paint without first contacting Ace Fire & Water Restoration.
• Carpets and Upholstery: To prevent odor from setting permanently, don't attempt cleaning without first contacting Ace Fire & Water Restoration.
• Electrical Appliances: Don't try to clean or repair TVs, radios, computers, or any other electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water. Consult an authorized repair technician.
• Clothing: Do not attempt to dry clean or launder smoke damaged items. Contact Ace Fire and Water Restoration for special instructions.
• Ceiling Fixtures: Do not switch on any ceiling fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged.

Action—What to Do

• Throughout the House: Keep movement to a minimum and keep your hands clean as you work. Both these measures will help prevent soot particles from penetrating upholstery, carpets, walls, and woodwork, thereby causing more damage.
• Upholstery: Brush off or brush vacuum loose soot particles. Then cover upholstered furniture with sheets.
• Drapes and Carpets: Brush off or brush vacuum loose soot particles. Place clean, dry towels or linens over carpets in heavy traffic areas to prevent further soiling.
• House Plants: Wash off both sides of leaves. Softened water helps.
• Ventilation Systems: Change furnace and air-conditioning filters. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air grilles.
• Food and Drinks: Take inventory, then discard any canned or packaged foods or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. They could be contaminated.
• Refrigerator and Freezer: If the electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop open the doors.
• Kitchens and Bathrooms: If the heat is off and it's freezing weather, pour anti-freeze down sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs. Clean and protect chrome on faucets and appliances with a light coating of WD-40®.
• Call Ace Fire and Water Restoration Service

Water Damage

Caution—What Not to Do

• Vacuums: Do not use your regular household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
• Electrical Appliances: Do not use TVs, radios, computers, or any other electrical appliance while standing on wet carpets or floors, particularly concrete or tile floors.
• Ceiling Fixtures: Do not switch on any ceiling fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. Avoid rooms where ceilings sag due to a buildup of water

Action—What to Do

• Throughout the House: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Open windows in cool weather to speed the drying process. In hot weather, switch on air-conditioning if it's safe to do so. Call Ace Fire & Water Restoration for special instructions on how to prevent further damage.
• Upholstery: Remove all loose cushions and prop up on a clean sheet so that they'll dry more evenly. Check for possible "bleeding."
  Carpets: Remove area rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpets. Pick up any books, magazines, or other items that may be sitting on a wet rug or floor.
• Storage Receptacles: Open suitcases and other storage boxes and dry them in sunlight if possible.
• Furniture: Place aluminum foil, wood blocks, or saucers between furniture legs and wet carpeting. Open, but do not force drawers and cabinet doors to dry out interiors.
• Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. Be sure to place drip pans underneath and move any nearby furniture or household items.
• Artwork: Remove paintings and other artwork to a safe, dry place.
• Clothing: Dry all garments as soon as possible. Hang fur and leather goods to dry at room temperature.
• Call Ace Fire and Water Restoration Service

Vandalism Damage

Caution—What Not to Do

• Electrical Appliances: Do not use any damaged appliances or lamps.
• Stains: Do not try to remove ink, paint, or cosmetic stains.

Action—What to Do

• Throughout the House: Begin emergency measures after the police investigation.
• Exterior: Wash off or hose down any egg damage as soon as possible.
• Carpets and Upholstery: Vacuum up glass particles. Blot food spills with a wet cloth or sponge (wring out any excess water first). Be careful not to rub the spill, as this may damage fibers.
• Containers and Fragments: Save any containers that can reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics, and paints. Also, save any broken pieces of furniture or household items (wood chips, pieces of porcelain, etc.).
• Call Ace Fire and Water Restoration Service