Emergency Tips

Fire and Smoke Damage - DO:

Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can impregnate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing more damage.

Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpet.

Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and carpet traffic areas to prevent more soiling.

If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop the doors open.

Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and, appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.

Pour anti-freeze in sinks, toilet bowls and tubs if the heat is off during the freezing season.

Wash off house plants on both sides of leaves. (Water softener helps.)

Change furnace filter.

Cover upholstery with sheets before use.

Tape double layers of cheese cloth over air registers.

Fire and Smoke Damage - DON'T:

Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional restoration service.

Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a professional restoration service.

Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat, or water, without consulting an authorized repair service.

Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)

Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.

Do not send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Water Damage - DO:

Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Wipe as much excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table-top 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 air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer. Open windows to speed drying in winter.

Remove Oriental or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.

Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying. (Do not force, however.)

Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe place.

Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight, if possible.

Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. (Do not forget to place pans underneath.)

Water Damage - DON'T:

Do not leave wet fabrics in place and dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.

Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.

Do not use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete.

Like it never even happened.^®

| Home | Services |

---