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The following Emergency Tips were compiled by
members of the National Institute of Disaster Restoration are based on their
wide experience in this field. It is not likely that you will require all
procedures listed, so examine your situation and use those steps which common
sense dictates.
FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE
After
fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely
action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or
seriously impede satisfactory restoration.
Do…
- Clean and protect chrome trim on
kitchen appliances with a light coating of Vaseline or other oil.
- Blow off or brush-vacuum loose
smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet.
- Open windows for ventilation.
- Change furnace filter if blower is
operating.
- Empty freezer and refrigerator if
electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
- Clean and protect smoked bathroom
faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with a light coating of oil.
- Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls,
sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.
- Wash plants with water on both
sides of leaves (water softener helps).
- Call plumber to drain heating
system if heat is off in winter.
- Remove pets (especially birds) to
clean environments.
Do
Not…
- Wipe or attempt to wash walls,
ceilings or other absorbent surfaces.
- Use upholstered furniture if it
can be avoided.
- Use exposed food items, or canned
goods which have been subjected to excessive heat.
- Use TV's, stereos, or electrical
appliances until cleaned and checked.
WATER
DAMAGE
Water is an essential part of many cleaning processes, but under
some circumstances, although it usually cleans, it can damage articles. The
harmful effect of water is sharply reduced by prompt and wise action. Some
procedures are obvious; others require foresight and experience. This list of
Emergency Tips has been compiled from many years of experience in water damage
repair & cleaning.
Do…
- Remove as much excess water as
possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe water from wood furniture
after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery
cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
- Place aluminum foil, china saucers
or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn on air conditioning for
maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
- Open drawers and cabinet doors for
complete drying (do not force, however).
- Remove valuable oil paintings and
art objects to a safe place.
- Blot wet carpeting with clean
white towels.
- Open suitcases and luggage to dry,
in sunlight if possible.
- Punch small holes in sagging
ceilings to relieve trapped water (don't forget to place pans beneath!).
Do
Not…
- Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as
soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room
temperature
- Leave books, magazines, or other
colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Use your household vacuum to
remove water.
- Use TVs or other appliances while
standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if
ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained
water.
SOOT
(FURNACE) DAMAGE
Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical,
experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate
emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot.
Wrong action can make restoration more difficult and could greatly delay your
"return to normal". These Emergency Tips can increase the chances for prompt
and successful restoration.
Do…
- Change furnace filter.
- Cover upholstery with clean sheets
before use.
- Tape double pieces of cheesecloth
over air registers with masking tape.
- Blow off or brush-vacuum loose
soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting.
Do
Not…
- Attempt to clean walls or
ceilings.
- Use do-it-yourself, home carpet or
upholstery cleaners
VANDALISM DAMAGE
Vandalism is upsetting even when the motivation
is not malicious. While timely action can minimize or prevent lasting damage,
it is just as true that wrong or delayed action can increase it - sometimes
beyond hope of repair. Emergency Tips listed below will minimize the effects of
the damage, and make the eventual repair more successful.
Do…
- Hose down or wash egg damage from
building exterior as soon as possible.
- Wipe up freshly spilled food from
carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't over-wet!).
- DO scrape and blot (don't rub; it
may cause fuzzing or damage fibers).
- Vacuum glass particles from
carpets and upholstery
- Save containers which will reveal
the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.
Do
Not…
- Attempt to remove ink, paint or
cosmetic stains.
- Operate damaged lamps or
appliances.
- Throw out wood chips, broken
pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.
Check here are some
helpful severe weather websites
The Weather Channel
Moreweather.com
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