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HERE ARE SOME EMERGENCY TIPS TO HELP YOU OUT IN CASE OF WATER DAMAGE:

WHAT TO DO

  • Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call for professional help.

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

  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.

  • Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a plastic coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.

  • Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.

  • Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.

  • Do not remove books from shelves. Instead, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.

  • Open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.

  • Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.

  • Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.

  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.

  • Do not disturb visible mold.

HERE ARE SOME EMERGENCY TIPS TO HELP YOU OUT IN CASE OF FIRE DAMAGE:

WHAT TO DO

  • Corrosive by-products can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Call for professional help.

  • If the temperature is above 60°F, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

  • Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.

  • Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced air.

  • Tape damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.

  • Discard any open food packages.

  • If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.

  • Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not touch anything with your bare hands. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing additional damage.

  • Do not wash walls. Incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.

  • Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.

  • Do not use electrical appliances until having them checked.

  • Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

HERE ARE SOME EMERGENCY TIPS TO HELP YOU OUT IN CASE OF VANDALISM:

WHAT TO DO

  • Fast action is required to prevent further damage. Call a restoration professional to remove damage caused by vandals.

  • Make a list of all damage.

  • Use a shop vacuum to remove glass particles from carpet and upholstery.

  • Remove any debris from carpet or interior walls. Scrape or blot carpets and furniture - do not rub.

  • Wash egg or other residue from the building exterior using water.

WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not use household cleaning products on fabrics, upholstery or carpets.

  • Do not attempt to remove chemical stains, including ink or paint.

  • Do not operate damaged electrical appliances.

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