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Emergency Tips

Fire Smoke and Soot Damage
If your property has been damaged by fire, smoke or soot, you naturally will want to clean up to get things back in order. However, incorrect or delayed action on some things may aggravate the existing damage. The tips below can help you take the right action until restoration experts arrive on the scene.

DO NOT....
  • Attempt to wipe walls or ceilings.
  • Use consumer-type upholstery or home carpet cleaners. This specialized cleaning requires professional equipment or chemicals.
  • Continue to use upholstered furniture. This could embed soot particles into the fabric.
  • Send smoke-exposed garments or draperies to an ordinary cleaner. This type of cleaning requires a specialist.
  • Attempt to clean or operate any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without contacting and authorized repair service.
DO ....
  • Limit movement within the property to prevent soot particles from being embedded into the carpeting.
  • Blow-off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from carpets, drapes and upholstery.
  • Open windows for ventilation.
  • Keep hands free from soot. Dirty hands can cause more damage to upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Change furnace filter if blower is operating.
  • Cover rug or carpet areas with plastic or clean towels to prevent more soiling.
  • Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of oil or vaseline. Do the same on bathroom faucets and fittings.
  • If it's winter, call a plumber to drain the heating system.
  • To prevent water in bathrooms from freezing in winter if heat is off, pour anti-freeze into the toilet bowls, sinks and tubs.
  • If electricity is turned off, empty refrigerator and freezer completely and prop doors open for ventilation.


Water Damage
The harmful effects created by water damage can be reduced or minimized by prompt action and good sense. However, some procedures in water cleanup require foresight and experience. The tips below, compiled by professionals in water damage restoration, can help you take the right action.

DO NOT ....
  • Use a home vacuum cleaner to try to remove water from carpets or floors.
  • Try to turn on electrical appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
  • Enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from water damage.
  • Leave wet fabrics or upholstered cushions in place. Dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
  • Leave books, magazines, other paper goods or colored items on wet carpets, floors or furniture.
DO ....
  • Try to mop and blot as much water as possible.
  • Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels.
  • After removing lamps and table top items, wipe water from wood furniture tops.
  • To protect furniture standing on wet carpet, place aluminum foil, plastic or china saucers under the legs.
  • Open windows to speed drying in winter, turn on air conditioner in the summer.
  • Remove any Orientals or other colored rugs from wall to wall carpeting.
  • Open all drawers and cabinet doors to maximize drying.
  • Open suitcases and luggage to dry, preferably in sunlight.
  • Remove valuable art objects and paintings to a dry, safe place.