If you have a fire, water or sewer damage in your home or business, what you do, or don’t do, can make a huge difference in how successful the restoration process will proceed. This section is designed to give you some “Tips” on the “Do’s” and “Don’t’s”.
FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE
After a fire or smoke damage, it’s natural to want to “clean” things up. However, using incorrect procedures can actually do more harm than good.
DO’s
- Clean and protect chrome bath and shower fixtures with a light coating of vegetable oil. This will prevent etching from acid residues.
- Brush or vacuum loose soot residue from soft furniture and carpet.
- Open windows to allow for ventilation, weather permitting.
- Change HVAC filters.
- If electricity is out, empty perishable food item from refrigerator and freezer.
- If heat is out, pour RV antifreeze in toilets.
- Gently clean household plants with soft water.
- Remove pets to clean environment.
- Photo document damage for insurance.
DONT’s
- Wipe or attempt to wash walls, wall paper or ceilings.
- Sit on upholstered furniture.
- Use exposed or open food items. Discard them.
- Use TV’s, computers, DVD players and other electrical items until properly cleaned.
- Attempt to clean sensitive clothing items.
WATER DAMAGE
Water damage in your home or business can be deceptive. Water will migrate into unseen areas, and left unattended, can become breeding grounds for mold.
DO’S
- Stop flow of water. Remove excess water with towels or wet vac.
- Move wood furniture from wet carpet to avoid bleeding stains.
- Unplug electrical items to avoid shock.
- Remove humidity sensitive items to a dry environment.
- If ceilings are sagging from water, punch small holes to allow from drainage.
- Photo document damage for insurance.
DONT’S
- Use household vacuum to remove water.
- Turn on ceiling lights or ceiling fans if ceiling is wet.
- Leave books, magazines and other paper items on wet carpet.
SEWER DAMAGE
Sewer damage can have serious health consequences. Proper professional assistance is essential to properly remediate.
DO’S
- Move items from contaminated areas.
- Wear gloves when handling wet items.
- Photo document damage for insurance.
DONT’S
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- Walk on wet carpet or floors in bare feet.
- Allow pets in contaminated areas.