When fire or smoke unexpectedly damages your home, the first steps you take could mean the difference between a small cleanup and a more costly and time consuming restoration.  Knowing when to call in a professional can save you time in getting your life back to normal and money by preventing further damage.

What to do BEFORE disaster strikes:

• Read your homeowner’s policy and review it annually to be sure you are adequately covered.
• Keep important documents, policies and documentation (pictures or videos) of the contents of your home, outside your home in a safety deposit box.  Keep a second key with a friend or neighbor in the event your key is destroyed.
• Keep copies of the contents of your wallets in your lock box.
• Keep a spare or duplicate credit card in your lockbox.

What NOT to do if you have had fire damage:

• Do not touch anything with your bare hands.  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 having them checked.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

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