Do's & Don'ts
FIRE & SMOKE DAMAGE:
Do
- Remove pets to a clean environment, including changing water in fish tanks.
- Provide alternate power sources to freezers and refrigerators. If this is not possible, empty freezers & refrigerators and prop doors open with a rolled up newspaper or towel.
- Introduce fresh air to the contaminated environment by opening windows.
- If the furnace is still operating, change the filter.
- Wash plants with water on both sides of the leaves. Also, remove the top 1/2 to 1" of soil.
- Vacuum or blow off loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpets.
- Pour anti-freeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if the heat is off in the winter.
- If the heating system is off in the winter, drain the heating system if applicable.
- Clean arborite counter-tops and linoleum floors.
- Clean and protect bathroom faucets, tub fittings, chrome towel bars, and trims on kitchen appliances.
Do Not
- Use computers, appliances, TVs, VCRs or stereos until they have been cleaned and tested.
- Use food items that have been exposed to soot, or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
- Use upholstered sofas and chairs etc.
- Attempt to wash walls, ceilings, unsealed wood, bricks or other absorbent surfaces.
- Launder clothes or dry clean garments that have a strong smoke odour.
WATER DAMAGE:
The damaging effects of water can be greatly reduced by using common sense and quick action!
Do
- Place towels (color-fast/non-bleed) on carpeted floors beneath dripping ceilings.
- Poke small holes in drooping drywall ceilings to relieve trapped water.
- Open camera & musical cases, suitcases and boxed contents and allow to dry in sunlight if possible.
- Wipe water from wood furniture.
- Remove paintings and art objects to a dry environment.
- Open cabinet and desk doors & drawers.
- Open windows to enhance drying.
- Remove as much excess water by using pumps & mops, etc.
- Place wood blocks or aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpets.
Do Not
- Use TVs or electrical appliances... especially while standing on wet floors.
- Leave non colour fast area rugs, magazines or books on wet carpets.
- Use household vacuums to extract water.
- Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
- Leave wet clothing in place. Remove and dry if possible.
VANDALISM:
Do
- Remove large peices of glass. Vacuum glass particles from floors, window ledges, carpets and upholstery.
- Clean spilled food from counter tops, lino floors and carpets. Do not agressively scrape.
- Wash off egg debris immediately.
- Save spilled paints and cosmetics etc, which will reveal the ingredients for restoration.
Do Not
- Discard pieces from broken lamps, art objects or wood chips from furniture.
- Use damaged appliances, computers, lamps or stereo equipment.
- Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
24 Hour Emergency Response (Vancouver Island) 1-877-248-0444
Email:info@thewholeshowrestorations.com
