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Emergency Tips - Do's and Don'ts

What you need to know while HELP is on the Way.

 

Emergency Preparation

  • Change smoke detectors batteries twice yearly.
  • Clean or replace flexible dryer vent tubes yearly.
  • Videotape your home and contents to assist you in making an inventory list if ever needed. Store video off site.
  • Make copies of important documents and papers. Store in safe deposit box.
  • Review your home fire emergency plan yearly.
  • Your local fire department can help you set up your home emergency plan.

 

Cold Weather Tips

  • Drain water heater if heat is off in winter.
  • Change furnace filters as often as needed if furnace will be in use.
  • Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter.

 

Did You Know?

Under the terms of most insurance contracts, it is the responsibility of each property owner to take the necessary steps to prevent additional damage as well as secure the property from being a hazard to the public. People are often drawn to a damaged house through curiosity. They may believe its contents have no value, when this may not be true.

 

Temporary Repairs to Prevent Additional Damage:

  • Properly close and lock (if possible) windows, doors and any other openings that would allow people free access.
  • Cover any openings in the roof to protect your property against the elements.
  • In cold weather, if heat can't be restored to the structure immediately, drain all supply lines and water heaters, and blow out both hot and cold supply lines with air. Put anti-freeze in all sinks, toilet bowls and tub traps.
  • If moisture exists, every effort should be taken to remove it as quickly as possible.
  • A qualified person should restore the electricity to the structure as quickly as possible.
  • Completely seal the structure if it is cold so that heat will not escape from the building.
  • Take photos or video of all rooms affected by this disaster.

 

 

Valuable Document Loss

  • Birth Certificates: Births and Deaths office in the city in which you were born.
  • Social Security/Medicare Cards: Local Social Security Administration Office. www.ssa.gov
  • Military Discharge Papers: Local Red Cross or Veterans Administration. www.Military.com
  • Marriage or Death Certificates: County Clerk in the county where the form was originally issued.
  • Divorce Decrees: Make a request for a certificate copy of the divorce decree at the place it was issued.

 

 

Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage

After a fire, it is natural to want to clean up. Timely action is a great help, but incorrect or delayed action seriously impedes satisfactory results.

 

Do...

  • Contact a certified Fire Restoration contractor.
  • Keep children, elderly adults, individuals with asthma and pets (especially birds) away from the area.
  • Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into the upholstery and carpets. Cover carpeted areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional damage. Oils from hands can cause additional damage.
  • Open windows for ventilation if temperature is above 60º.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely. Prop open or put charcoal inside.
  • Discard any open food packages, as they may be contaminated.
  • Replace furnace filter.
  • If using furnace, tape double layers of damp cheesecloth over all air registers to capture any loose soot in the air.
  • Blow off or brush loose smoke particles from the upholstery, drapes and carpet, making sure tools do not come in contact with fabrics.
  • Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves and remove top 1" of soil.
  • Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, towel bars, etc. with a coating of Vaseline® or other oil to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
  • Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a professional restoration cleaner rather than any dry cleaner.

 

Don't...

  • Wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem and oil from your skin could cause additional damage.
  • Use food exposed to heat or smoke as they may be contaminated.
  • Use computers, TV's, stereos or electrical appliances until they have been cleaned and checked.
  • Use do-it-yourself carpet or upholstery cleaners.

 

 

Mold Prevention

  • Fix leaky plumbing and leaks in the building as soon as possible.
  • Watch for condensation and wet spots. Fix source of moisture problem as soon as possible.
  • Prevent moisture due to condensation by increasing surface temperature or reducing the moisture in the air (humidity).
  • Keep heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) drip pans clean, flowing properly and unobstructed.
  • Vent moisture-generating appliances, such as dryers, to the outside where possible.
  • Maintain low indoor humidity - below 60% relative humidity (RH) ideally 30-50%, if possible.
  • Perform regular building/HVAC inspections and maintenance as scheduled.
  • Clean and dry wet or damp spots within 48 hours.
  • Don't let foundations stay wet. Provide drainage and slope the ground away from the foundation.

 

Water Damage

 

 

Do...

  • Identify/eliminate water source. Call plumber if needed.
  • Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
  • Turn on air conditioner for maximum drying in summer. In winter, heat area between 72º - 76º and operate dehumidifier and fans until dry.
  • Remove or prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
  • Wipe up excess water from wood furniture.
  • Raise furniture off of wet carpeting by putting something under legs such as: heavy-duty plastic, rubber lids, china saucers, foam blocks, etc.
  • Remove all valuables, art objects, paintings, jewelry, etc. and put in a safe, dry location.
  • Open drawers and cabinet /closet doors and luggage for complete drying. (However, do not force.)
  • Remove Orientals or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels and lift draperies off carpet, loop through a plastic covered coat hanger, and place on the drapery rod.
  • Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
  • Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible.
  • Punch small holes (ice pick size) in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water.
  • Contact a professional certified in Water Restoration.

 

Don't....

  • Attempt to use any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water or while standing on wet floors, carpets or, particularly, wet concrete floors.
  • Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, as wiring may be damaged. Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
  • Go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
  • Lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote damage and de-lamination.
  • Leave colored items on wet floors (newspapers, magazines, etc.) as color may bleed.
  • Wait to call for professional help. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

 

Vandalism

Vandalism is upsetting even when the motivation is not malicious. The emergency tips listed below will minimize the effects of the damage, and make eventual repair more successful.

 

Do...

  • Contact a certified restoration company.
  • Make a list of all damages and photograph or video everything that is damaged.
  • Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
  • Blot up freshly spilled foods from carpets and fabrics with a dampened (don't over-wet) cloth or sponge. Do scrape and blot (don't rub: it may cause fuzzing or damage fibers).
  • Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery with extreme care.
  • Save cans/containers that will reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics, paints, etc.

 

Don't...

  • Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or art objects. Allow someone experienced in restoration to review damage before discarding.
  • Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
  • Operate damaged lamps or appliances
  • Use household cleaning products on fabrics, upholstery, or carpet without consulting a professional.

 

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