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The
following Emergency Tips were compiled by members and staff of the National
Institute of Disaster Restoration based on their wide experience with
various types of damage. It is not likely that your situation will require
all of these procedures so apply those which common sense indicates are
appropriate.
Fire
& Smoke Damage
After
fire damage it is natural to want to jump right in and clean the building
and contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect action
can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration.
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Do
Not... |
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Clean
& protect chrome trim on faucets and other bright work by washing
with detergent and applying a coating of petroleum
Blow
off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies
and carpeting
Open
windows for ventilation if weather permits
Empty
refrigerators and freezers if electricity is off and prop doors
open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow air circulation
Pour
antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sink and tub drains to prevent
freeze damage if heat is off in winter
Call
a plumber to drain and blow out all water lines if heat is off in
winter
Remove
pets to clean environment if heavy fire residues are present
Send a sample group of garments for cleaning and deodorization in
order to observe the results
Retain
a contractor to board up open windows, roofs or other penetrations
in order to prevent additional damage
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Wipe
or attempt to wash fire residues from walls, ceilings, or other
absorbent surfaces
Use
carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residues
or debris
Use
food items or canned goods exposed to heat
Turn
on computers, TV's, stereos, or electrical appliances until they
have been cleaned and checked
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Sewage
& Flood Damage
Raw
sewage and floodwaters contain bacteria and other microorganisms which
are extremely hazardous to human health. These can be transmitted by touching
contaminated items or by tracking them into uncontaminated areas on shoes.
Children and pets are especially vulnerable; frequent handwashing is an
important preventive measure. Absorbent materials such as carpeting and
drywall may not be restorable after direct contact with sewage-contaminated
or flood-contaminated water.
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Do
Not... |
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Treat
all water-impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic, until properly
decontaminated
Keep
children and pets out of contaminated areas
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Track
contaminated material into damaged areas until properly decontaminated
Attempt
to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over the counter
germicidal products which may not fully disinfect contaminated surfaces
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Vandalism
Damage
Vandalism
often involves spray paint on walls, defacement of furnishings and spreading
noxious substances. Vandalism is one of the most difficult forms of damage
to restore. Prompt action can often minimize the effect of vandalism or
make restoration more successful
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Do
Not... |
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Hose
down or wash egg damage from building exteriors as soon as possible
Vacuum
glass particles from carpet and upholstery
Save
containers and spray cans which may reveal the composition of inks
and pigments
Save all wood chips and fragments from furniture, porcelain or art
objects.
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Attempt
to remove ink, paint, or cosmetic stains; they can be permanently
set if not handled properly |
Water
Damage
Water
damage arises from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning
appliances, storms and other causes. The appropriate treatment depends
on the nature of the damage, Some water carries contaminants and should
be considered hazardous (see Sewage and Flood Damage). Whatever the origin
the prospects for restoration depend largely on the speed with which your
building and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate
mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.
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Do
Not... |
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Ventilate
wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer.
In winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating
Remove
standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting
Take
up saturated rugs and carpets when hard-wood floors are at risk
Stay
out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water
Transport
computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low
pressure air
Remove
lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops
Open
drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force
open stuck drawers or doors
Freeze
valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying
can be performed
Place
aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture
legs to avoid carpet staining
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Operate
TV's, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or
floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. Serious injury may
result
Use
heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture
damage may result
Leave
wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible
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Soot
(Furnace) Damage
While
soot may resemble smoke residues from a fire, the restoration soot damage
often requires different techniques. Incorrect action can make restoration
more difficult and delay the return to normal.
| Do... |
Do
Not... |
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Change
and save the old furnace filter
Blow
off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery draperies
and carpets
Cover
upholstery with clean sheets before use
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Attempt
to wash walls, ceilings, or contents without professional assistance |
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