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Fire or Smoke Emergency Guide |
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Do’s: · Open windows for ventilation, weather permitting. Enhance air exchange by placing fans in windows and opening doors. · Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling. · Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air. · Tape cheesecloth over air vents to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp. · Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is shut off, and prop doors open to allow air circulation. · Remove pets to a clean environment when heavy fire residue is present. Pets should be bathed with traditional pet shampoo to remove any unwanted dirt. · Send sample garments to a dry cleaner for cleaning and deodorization if odor is present. · Wipe the leaves of house plants to remove smoke residue. · If needed, do board up open windows, roofs, or other open areas in order to prevent additional damage. · Individuals with a medical conditions or chemical sensitivities should move to a clean environment if they experience dizziness or nausea. Should symptoms persist seek medical attention.
Don’ts: · Do not enter the building unless you are sure that it is structurally sound and that there are no hazards such as broken glass, spilled chemicals, and exposed wires, etc. Always think safety! · Do not delay in getting the area cleaned. The longer corrosive gasses from the fire are in contact with surfaces such as metals, the more likely those surfaces will be damaged. · Don’t touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing additional damage. · Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result. · Don’t attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls. Incorrect cleaning procedures could make matters worse. · Don’t walk on carpet that has soot or put your hands on soot covered surfaces. This will tend to make the soot drive into these porous surfaces and make cleaning much more difficult. · Don’t start your heat or air conditioning system until it has been checked. If there is soot in the duct work, the air movement will spread the soot around the entire building. · Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction. · Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
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