Before

After

Soot Damage Is Not Always Visible To The Eye

This Georgetown home suffered a relatively small kitchen fire but the smoke and soot damage was pervasive in all rooms, on all levels of the home. 

This before & after photo series is meant to illustrate how damage from a fire isn't always the obvious devastation that we imagine. Even when a fire is contained, smoke and soot travels quickly and far.

The before photo shows the kitchen area before clean up began. To the naked eye, it doesn't look as if it sustained heavy damage. However, the sponge that one of our crew members is holding shows the first swipe of the soot evidence at the start of clean up.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (978) 777-3498.