Fire & Smoke Damage

As a community service, G.W. Savage will provide free board-up in Grand Isle and Chittenden counties. We also provide free temporary heat for 24 hours, if necessary.

Smoke odor removal from burned structures with water damage is a multiphase process which should begin shortly after the loss, and continue from tear-out to dry-in and finishing. There are two types of odor with which you are dealing: smoke and biological. Of course, the fire is the source of the smoke odor, while the water used in extinguishing the fire, coupled with time, causes the biological odor. If anything, the water exacerbated the fire contamination and odor. This type of work requires the skill of the professionals at G.W. Savage.

Action -- What To Do:

Throughout the house: Keep movement to a minimum and keep your hands clean as you work. Both of 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 & 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 with softened water.

Ventilation systems: Change furnace and air conditioning filters. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air grilles.

Food & drinks: Take inventory and then discard any canned or packaged foods or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water as they could be contaminated.

Refrigerator & freezer: If the electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop open the doors.

Kitchen & bathrooms: If the heat if off and it's freezing weather, pour anti-freeze down sinks, toilet bowls and tubs and shower drains. Clean and protect chrome on faucets and appliances with a light coating of WD-40.

"We don't know what we would have done without your well-oiled machine behind us. You boarded up the windows, dealt with the insurance company and within days of requests supplied us with counters and fixtures...and more. You were one of the most significant contributors to our recovery and a great source of strength."

Staff of Rags and Riches- South Burlington, VT