Thank you for choosing ServiceMaster Clean to provide emergency services for your fire and/or smoke damage. We understand that experiencing something like this is difficult. Rest Assured ServiceMaster Clean is the right company and has the qualified technicians to restore your property
This is most likely your first fire-related loss. However, ServiceMaster Clean, we have helped people through this process countless times. Years of experience have led us to advanced scientific methods, techniques and products for restoring buildings and personal property.
We suggest that you do not attempt any "do-it-yourself" cleaning methods, without consulting your ServiceMaster Clean Technician. For example, touching surfaces covered in soot could actually make the damage worse by permanently setting the soot. Please consider there are complex chemical reactions and hidden damage that are best restored with specific products, equipment and expert methods. Returning your property back to pre-loss condition and helping families and individual's like you is what we do.
UNDERSTANDING FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE
During a fire, smoke is driven by heat created by flames. No matter where the fire originates, smoke may penetrate throughout a building's structure. Smoke also combines with humidity and can form corrosive residues that may cause secondary damage.
Long after the fire is put out, the damage can continue, as remaining free-floating smoke settles on horizontal surfaces and contents.
Fire does burn, but residual smoke may burn as well, This is sometimes called etching, pitting or chemical burning. Quick response and action are critical. The more time that elapses before treatment, the greater the damage.
ServiceMaster Clean is a highly reputable, licensed, insured and endorsed provider of fire and smoke restoration services. In addition to our years of experience, our uniformed Restoration Technicians have completed advanced training in fire mitigation, restoration systems and corrosion control. We also require continuing education to learn about new techniques and equipment to better serve you in your time of need.
It is our goal to restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible. Depending on the source, nature and size of the fire, the cleaning and restoration may require several phases before completion.
While each fire or smoke loss is unique, the information in this recovery guide is general. However, we hope it will help answer your questions and aid you in understanding the processes and procedures for restoring your property.
RESTORE VERSUS REPLACE DECISIONS
We work to restore all property to a pre-loss condition when possible. Some items cannot be restored. Others could cost more to restore than their actual value. We will advise you and your insurance claim representative, and explain the limits of what we as professional restorers can do.
The following information is a checklist of services and items that my need to be addressed on order to restore and protect your property, along with a brief explanation.
Our ServiceMaster Clean Restoration Technician will walk you through this checklist. While not all of the items will apply, this information will help you understand the procedures involved in restoring your property.
We have identified the type of fire and smoke problem and the scope of the damage. The assessment includes a thorough visual inspection with photo documentation to determine the extent of the loss, enabling us to form the most effective plan for returning your property to pre-loss condition as quickly as possible. To ensure proper claims investigation, the area where the fire started must be secured and undisturbed until released for cleaning by your insurance representative.
Your damage has been caused by one or more of the following:
Protein Fire
Food from the oven or stove has burned; strong burnt food odor exists; smoke residues on contents and services.
Complex Fire
Multiple natural and synthetic items inside the structure have burned; black smoke residue is on contents and surfaces; synthetic smoke odor exists; emergency corrosion mitigations needed to protect at-risk surfaces.
Natural Fire
Trees, shrubs and bushes have burned (example: forest fire); smoke has penetrated the structure from outside; smoke residue and odor are present.
Furnace malfunction
Heating appliances such as oil-fire furnaces have malfunctioned and caused smoke to be distributed throughout the property.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
Board up or cover with tarp to secure the property or protect it from the elements.
Inspect furnace or air conditioner unit; replace furnace filter, cover supply and return air vents to prevent cross contamination of smoke and odor into other areas; clean and deodorize duct work.
Turn off electrical power to address safety issues.
Restore electrical power to use lighting and restoration equipment.
Remove debris to clear a way for complete restoration and provide for worker and occupant safety.
Perform emergency water damage mitigation
Extract excess water remaining from fire fighting; check flooring and structural components for remaining moisture; set up drying and dehumidification equipment.
Perform emergency corrosion mitigation
Corrosive by-products from smoke residues can cause irreversible damage in a short period of time; removing smoke residues and treating at-risk surfaces with a corrosion inhibitor will protect these items. Examples of at-risk surfaces: marble, stone, grout, aluminum, glass, fixtures, appliances, etc.
Empty refrigerators or freezers to prevent spoiling and associated odors; empty food cabinets; dispose of spoiled food items. Note: We recommend you keep a list of all disposed items.
Begin initial odor control measures such as ventilation to air out the property, application of deodorizers, placement of air filtration units, etc.
Arrange for emergency laundry/dry cleaning for several changes of clothing for immediate use, while the remainder of your clothing is restored.
Closets, attics, cabinets and drawers
These areas are sources of trapped smoke odor and require thorough cleaning, deodorization and airing out.
Hard surface floor cleaning
Includes inspection and cleaning of marble, stone, tile, wood, laminate and other flooring. Floors will then be covered for protection during structural restoration.
Separate items
We will work with you and your insurance claim representative in the decisionmaking process on items we cannot clean or restore.
ODOR CONTROL SERVICES
Removal of sever odors from fire and smoke damage requires a variety of professional products, systems and specialty equipment.
Often multiple treatments are necessary during the restoration process. We have the systems, deodorizers and equipment to remove a wide range of odors.
Air scrubbers
Smoke and odor particles continue to be airborne many days after the fire has stopped. Air scrubbers use High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration to remove these particles from the air, enhancing the efficiency of cleaning and clearing the air for safe breathing. Please do not move or turn off this equipment.
Thermal fogging
This process neutralizes odor, using a strong deodorizer that penetrates everywhere the smoke traveled and will require the removal ofpets, plants and human occupants for a short period of time.
Ozone
Ozone is an oxidizing agent produced by a portable ozone generator. This process will require the removal of pets, plants and human occupants for a short period of time.
RESTORATION SERVICES
Restoration laundry / dry cleaning
Because fire damage requires a special form of dry cleaning, this service will be performed by a restoration dry cleaner. (Includes accurate inventory control and documentation of clothing and textiles, including bedding, window covers, etc.)
Carpet and furniture cleaning
Includes inspection, pre-testing, professional cleaning and deodorization, speed drying and covering to protect during structural restoration. May include reapplication of stain protection.
Structural restoration
Structual restoration includes cleaning of ceiling and walls, as well as cleaning, polishing and deodorizing woodwork. We understand that as the property owner, you deserve clear and thorough communication, and we will give our full cooperation to both you and your insurance claims representative.
HARD AND SOFT CONTENTS RESTORATION
We have advanced products and systems for restoring different smoke damaged contents, whether furniture and upholstery, knick-knacks or other belongings.
Hand washing and drying
Items are carefully cleaned by hand. Note: Care is taken to use dry methods with water-sensitive items.
Ultrasonic cleaning
Ultrasonic technology may be used to clean certain items. Some examples of items that might be cleaned ultrasonically are blinds, collectibles and other smaller contents.
Furniture and upholstery cleaning
This requires specialty equipment, products and technicians and certified in furniture restoration.
Contents restoration will be performed:
On site or at our warehouse
Packout services will be performed by:
ServiceMaster Clean or a qualified moving subcontractor
Moving services will be handled by:
ServiceMaster Clean or a qualified moving subcontractor
Some items may require a specific, qualified restorer. Examples of these items include: appliances, electronics, HVAC-systems, furniture, textiles, antiques, etc. If so, ServiceMaster Clean will work with your insurance company to manage this process
for you.
