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With the largest wildfire in provincial history burning property owners in communities throughout B.C. are experiencing smoke damage to their homes

By FirstOnSite Restoration
8401944_web1_36-Top-Ten-Tips-Smoke

By FirstOnSite Restoration

With the largest wildfire in provincial history burning more than 900,000 hectares and growing, property owners in communities throughout B.C. all the way to southern Saskatchewan are experiencing detrimental effects of smoke damage to their homes and businesses.

“As smoke and debris from the wildfires continues to plague the western provinces, residents should be aware that the effects of the smoke can be harmful to not only their home, but their health as well,” says Jim Mandeville with FirstOnSite Restoration. “It’s important to take meaningful action to ensure property and loved ones are safe.”

FirstOnSite Restoration is stationed in Kamloops and Prince George, and actively assisting with maintaining air quality in facilities being used by first responders and critical businesses. The company was also one of the earliest responders on site after the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires.

Below are FirstOnSite Restoration’s Top 10 Smoke Cleaning Tips for BC residents and businesses to help keep smoke damage at bay.

Top 10 Smoke Cleaning Tips

1. Smoke contamination can travel to areas of property and/or belongings that may not be visible to the untrained eye; hire a professional with specialized expertise in smoke cleaning to complete a proper assessment.

2. If you do clean, remember that the environment may not be safe. Always protect yourself before beginning to clean fire residue: use a disposable dust mask or respirator and wear gloves.

3. Smoke is attracted to the coldest areas of a home. These will be the areas that suffer the most damage.

4. Swipe windows with a clean white tissue to determine potential contamination • Light Brown -Brown dust: typical household dust • Grey - Black dust: indicates contamination is present and area should be handled professionally to ensure safety

5. Do not turn on any electronics as the soot will contaminate the inside of the unit.

6. Dispose of open or exposed food to avoid possible ingestion of toxic carcinogens.

7. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible to prevent smoke from entering your home and/or business. • Consider sealing windows and door frames with tape to prevent smoke from entering your home or business if you are in close proximity to an active fire.

8. Use an air purifier to help remove particulates from the air.

9. Change furnace filters often – every few days or weekly depending on severity of smoke and air quality. 10. Call your insurance company to understand what is specifically covered under your policy.

FirstOnSite Restoration www.firstonsite.ca