ACCORD Restoration
7123 Windsor Mill Rd., Suite 100
Baltimore, MD 21244
Phone: 1-888-277-0651
Fax: 410-277-0632
ACCORDrestoration.com

BALTIMORE, MD. August 19, 2008 – Flames are not the only damaging forces in a fire. The smoke that accompanies a blaze is a harmful concoction of chemicals and toxins that can seriously harm a person's health and property, said clean-up and restoration expert Frank Nemshick, president of ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com).

Once the fire department has put out a fire and vented a building, their job is complete. But there is often a large mess left behind, including discoloration and corrosion of materials as well as pungent odors that may be difficult to eliminate.

At this point, smoke restoration companies should be called for professional help, said Nemshick, who has spent years in the business of helping property owners recover from disaster. This clean-up job requires special tools and knowledge to prevent further damage and to restore the property.

The extent of smoke damage and the ease with which it is cleaned away is based on the type of smoke in the fire produced: wet, dry, protein and fuel-oil.

Wet smoke comes from low heat and is difficult to clean. Dry smoke results after a fast burning fire at high temperatures. Protein smoke is invisible, but discolors varnishes and has an extremely foul odor. Fuel-oil soot smoke is a result of a furnace malfunction.

Before the restoration professionals arrive, Nemshick said there are several things any property owner can do to start the smoke removal process. Immediate action is important since many items can be irreparably damaged by smoke, including electronics, clothing, upholstery and draperies.  

Windows should be opened and fans turned on, if possible, to air out the building and begin to eliminate the remaining odor. This also can help dry out carpets and other upholstered items that may have been water damaged by extinguishing the fire. Nemshick said that these tips will speed up the restoration process, too:

Do:

• Brush off or vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.

• Discard open food packages.

• Take clothing to a laundry specializing in smoke damage restoration.

• Wipe residue from kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

• Relocate pets to a clean environment.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash walls or paintings because improper techniques could do more damage.

• Use electrical appliances until cleared to do so by the restoration professionals.      

• Use ceiling fans because they could short circuit if the ceiling is wet.  

"Inhaling smoke is very damaging to your health, which is why fire departments help vent smoke from buildings. So it stands to reason that this same smoke can be very damaging to your property,” said Nemshick. "Immediate professional action is important to make sure that the smoke causes the least amount of destruction possible.”

About ACCORD Restoration

ACCORD Restoration (ACCORDrestoration.com) specializes in clean-up, repair, restoration and rebuilding after fires, floods, storms or other disaster related property damage. Their extensive list of services includes: 24-hour emergency response, clean-up, board-up, assessments, water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold prevention and remediation, storm and wind damage restoration and rebuilding. Contact by phone at: 1-888-277-0651, by e-mail at: info@accordrestoration.com or learn more at ACCORDrestoration.com.  MHIC #51366.

Press Contacts:

Frank Nemshick, President
ACCORD Restoration
1-888-277-0651
info@accordrestoration.com

Kris McCurry, Executive Vice President
Brave New Markets
410-902-0801 ext. 307
kmccurry@bravenewmarkets.com

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