By Patriot Home Service. Published: . Updated: . Published by Patriot Home Service.
A small kitchen or house fire is out, but the smoke smell lingers. Safety steps, where odor hides and what to record. From Patriot Home Service LLC.
Even after a small fire is out, a smoke smell can stay in a home for a while. Here is what to do first and where odor tends to stay.
Make sure the fire department has cleared the home for re-entry. If you smell gas, see damaged wiring or notice anything that looks structurally damaged, stay out and contact the fire department, your utility or a licensed electrician. Do not turn on power or appliances that were near the fire until someone qualified has checked them.
Before cleaning or throwing anything away, photograph the damage, the soot and the affected rooms, and write down the date and time. Keep damaged items until you know whether anyone needs to see them.
Smoke can travel well beyond the room where the fire happened. Odor can settle in:
- Soft items such as curtains, upholstery, carpet and clothing
- Porous surfaces such as drywall, ceiling paint and unfinished wood
- The HVAC system, including ducts and filters
- Closets, cabinets and attics where air moves less
Ventilate when the weather allows. Keep doors closed between affected and unaffected rooms. Ask an HVAC professional before running a system that pulled in smoke. Avoid scrubbing soot with water or household cleaners before you know the surface, since that can spread it.
If you plan to file a claim, contact your insurer. Your insurer decides any coverage. We are not an insurer, public adjuster or attorney.
For fire and smoke damage restoration and repairs, call Patriot Home Service LLC at (980) 999-0467.
Trust your home to a Patriot. Patriot Home Service LLC, Charlotte, NC. NC Limited Licensed General Contractor (Residential), License L.108907. (980) 999-0467.