Helpful Emergency Tips!

It is a natural instinct to want to take immediate restorative and cleaning steps after fire damage. The right action can mitigate further damage but incorrect or delayed response can jeopardize or impede successful restoration. The following are helpful and important tips that will help you arrive at the best outcome should you suffer the misfortune of unexpected damage to your home or business.

Fire & Smoke

Water

Vandalism

FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE:

Do ...........

1. Remove pets to a clean environment, including changing water in fish tanks.
2. Provide alternate power sources to freezers and refridgerators. If this is not possible, empty freezers & refridgerators and prop doors open with a rolled up newspaper or towel.
3. Introduce fresh air to the contaminated environment by opening windows.
4. If the furnace is still operating, change the filter.
5. Wash plants with water on both sides of the leaves. Also, remove the top 1/2 to 1" of soil.
6. Vacuum or blow off loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpets.
7. Pour anti-freeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if the heat is off in the winter.
8. If the heating system is off in the winter, drain the heating system if applicable.
9. Clean arborite counter-tops and linoleum floors.
10. Clean and protect bathroom faucets, tub fittings, chrome towel bars, and trims on kitchen appliances.

Do Not ...........

1. Use computers, appliances, TVs, VCRs or stereos until they have been cleaned and tested.
2. Use food items that have been exposed to soot, or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
3. Use upholstered sofas and chairs etc.
4. Attempt to wash walls, ceilings, unsealed wood, bricks or other absorbent surfaces.
5. Launder clothes or dry clean garments that have a strong smoke odour. Improper cleaning may set smoke or odours.

WATER DAMAGE:

The damaging effects of water can be greatly reduced by using common sense and quick action!

Do ...........

1. Place towels (color-fast/non-bleed) on carpeted floors beneath dripping ceilings.
2. Poke small holes in drooping drywall ceilings to relieve trapped water.
3. Open camera & musical cases, suitcases and boxed contents and allow to dry in sunlight if possible.
4. Wipe water from wood furniture.
5. Remove paintings and art objects to a dry environment.
6. Open cabinet and desk doors & drawers.
7. Open windows to enhance drying.
8. Remove as much excess water by using pumps & mops, etc.
9. Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpets.

Do Not ...........

1. Use TVs or electrical appliances... especially while standing on wet floors.
2. Leave non colour fast area rugs, magazines or books on wet carpets.
3. Use household vacuums to extract water.
4. Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
5. Leave wet clothing in place. Remove and dry if possible.

VANDALISM:

Do...........

1. Remove large pieces of glass. Vacuum glass particles from floors, window ledges, carpets and upholstery.
2. Clean spilled food from counter tops, lino floors and carpets. Do not agressively scrape.
3. Wash off egg debris immediately.
4. Save spilled paints and cosmetics etc, which will reveal the ingredients for restoration.

Do Not ...........

1. Discard pieces from broken lamps, art objects or wood chips from furniture.
2. Use damaged appliances, computers, lamps or stereo equipment.
3. Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.