HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL EMERGENCY TIPS:

TEMPORARY REPAIRS TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL DAMAGE
1) Properly close and lock (if possible) windows, doors and any other
openings that would allow people free access.
2) Cover any openings in the roof top to protect your property from the
elements.
3) In cold weather, if heat can't be restored to the structure immediately,
drain all supply lines and water heaters, and blow out both hot and cold
supply lines with air, put antifreeze in all sinks, toilet bowls, and tub traps.
4) If moisture exists, every effort should be taken to remove it as quickly
as possible.
5) The electricity should be restored to the structure as quickly as
possible by a qualified person.
6) Completely seal the structure if it is cold so heat will not escape from
the building.
7) Make sure water heaters are drained, and turned off.


FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE DO'S AND DON'TS
DO'S
1) Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being
impregnated into the upholstery and carpets and cover carpeted areas
with towels or old linens to prevent additional damage.
2) Tape double layers of cheesecloth over all air registers.
3) Change furnace filters.
4) Cover upholstery with sheets(if the upholstery is not wet).
5) Blow off or brush loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapes, and
carpets.
6) Open windows for ventilation in warm weather.
7) Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen and bathroom faucets and
appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or light oil.
8) Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop
doors open with rolled towel or newspaper and discard any opened food
packages, they could be contaminated.
9) Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves.
10) Remove pets (especially birds) to a clean environment.
11) Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a professional restoration
cleaner rather than any dry cleaning company.

DON'TS
1) Use TV's, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
2) Use do-it-yourself home carpet or upholstery cleaners.
3) Wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your
professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the
soot residue problem.
4) Eat food that has been exposed to heat. They may be contaminated.



WATER DAMAGE DO'S AND DONTS
DO'S
-1) Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
2) Remove wet insulation and start dehumidifying.
3) Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer, in winter heat
area to approximately 74 to 76 degrees and operate dehumidifier and fans
until dry.
4) Remove or prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
5) Wipe up excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and
desktop Items.
6) Remove all valuables, art objects, paintings, jewelry, and put in a safe
place.
7) Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying.
8) Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels and lift draperies off carpet,
loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
9) Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible.

DON'TS
1) Attempt to use any electrical appliances that may have been close to
fire, heat or water or while standing on wet floors, carpets or particularly
wet concrete floors.
2) Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, wiring maybe damaged. Keep
out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
3) Use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
4) Go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on
5) Lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet
incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
6) Wait to call for professional help. Damage from water and bacteria
growth can begin within hours.


VANDALISM
DO'S
1) Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as
possible.
2) Wipe up freshly spilled foods from carpets and fabrics with a dampened
cloth or sponge.
3) Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery with extreme care.
4) Save cans and containers which will reveal the composition of spilled
inks, cosmetics, and paints.

DON'TS
1) Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
2) Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or art
objects. Allow someone experienced in restoration to review damage
before discarding.