FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE
DO:
- Limit movement in the home to prevent particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean.
- Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
- Wash house plants.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
DON’T:
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
- Send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
- Use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated).
- Attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
- Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional.
- Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a professional.
VANDALISM DAMAGE
DO:
- Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
- Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge.
- Vacuum glass particle from carpets and upholstery.
- Save containers, which reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.
DON’T:
- Attempt to remove ink, paint, or cosmetic stains.
- Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
- Discard wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain, or other art objects.
HARMFUL WASTE
(Sewage, Blood Borne Pathogens, Etc.)
DO:
- Stay out of affected areas.
- Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life threatening.
- Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
- Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.
DON’T:
- Attempt cleanup of any kind.
- Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
- Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected areas.
WATER DAMAGE
DO:
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table top items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and pillow cushion for even drying.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Open and place luggage in sunlight to dry, if possible.
- Gather loose items, toys, etc. from floors.
DON’T:
- Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- Leave books, magazines, and other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
- Use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Use TVs or other household appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.