Fire Damage Tips
Even after the fire is doused and the smoke cleared, time is of the essence. To increase your chances of a complete recovery, call ServiceMaster by Monroe Restoration as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to ensure a more successful restoration.

What to do:
- Corrosive byproducts from fire and smoke can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours.
- If the temperature is above 60 degrees, air out your home by opening windows and doors to reduce smoke odor.
- Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
- Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
- Tape damp cheesecloth over important documents to capture loose soot in the air.
- Discard any open food packages.
- If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
- Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner.

What not to do:
- Do not touch anything. 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.

Water Damage Tips
- Water damage and bacteria growth can begin within hours after you experience a loss. To increase your chances of a complete recovery, call us as soon as possible. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to ensure a more successful restoration.

What to do:
- Water damage and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call ServiceMaster by Monroe Restoration immediately.
- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Remove wet area rugs or other removable floor coverings. Do not attempt to start removing wall-to-wall carpet.
- Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
- Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
- Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
- Do not remove books from shelves. Rather, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
- Open drawers, closet and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

What not to do:
- Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.
- Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
- Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
- Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
- Do not disturb visible mold.