Policyholder Advice

Remove clothing from metal coat hangers.

Avoid disposal of items which are part of your claim until your insurance company has given authorisation. These items must be kept for inspection and valuation.

If it is possible that any wiring may have been damaged by fire, heat or water, the electricity should be disconnected from the main supply.

Never attempt to wipe or wash walls, ceilings, or other absorbent surfaces.

Beware of your rights. As the policyholder you have the right to choose the restoration company.

Open as many doors and windows as possible to help remove smoke odours. Only do this if the weather is dry and sunny as moisture and soot mixed together can become corrosive.

Where soot is evident on electrical items these should not be used, nor should attempts be made to remove the soot. These items should not be plugged in or used until they have been checked by a qualified person.

Inventory contents

Never use exposed food goods or canned goods that have been subject to excessive heat or soot.

Timing is everything. A fast response is critical to minimising the damage caused by smoke contamination.

Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off and prop open doors.

Remove pets especially birds to a clean environment.

Never attempt to wash clothing. Improper cleaning may set the smoke/odour into the fabric.

Avoid using upholstered furniture.

Trust the experts. The impact of a wrong approach to fire and smoke damage restoration can, in extreme cases render a return to pre-incident condition impossible.

In times of disaster it is easy to forget some basic things that you need. Should you have to leave your home for a period, we suggest that you gather the following items: Jewellery, items of financial and sentimental value, passport, cheque book, credit cards, cash, bank account details, utility bills, insurance documents and at least two days’ worth of clothing.

Odour from fires can be very complex and difficult to remove. Your chosen restoration company should understand this and have the technical expertise to successfully treat all types of odour.

Never attempt to clean upholstery carpets or curtains yourself.

Always wear gloves when handling soot contaminated items.

Lower the room temperature. Turn off central heating as room temperatures should be kept as low as possible.