A-1 Perfection "The Leaders in Disaster Restoration"
Do's And Don'ts
Fire & Smoke Emergencies
Appliances:
DO empty refrigerator/freezer completely if electricity is off and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper
Carpets:
DO brush or vacuum loose smoke particles from carpets. DON’T use do-it-yourself home carpet cleaners.
Ceilings:
DON’T wipe or attempt to wash ceilings or any other absorbent surfaces.
Doors:
DO close doors in affected areas to localize smoke odors as much as possible
Electronics:
DON’T use televisions, stereos or other electronics until they have been cleaned and checked by a professional.
Furnace:
DO change the furnace filter if the blower is operating. DO tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape.
Food:
DON’T consume exposed food items or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
Furniture:
DON’T use upholstered furniture if possible.
Pets:
DO remove all pets to a clean environment.
Plants:
DO wash plants with mild soap and water, cleaning both sides of the leaves.
Plumbing:
DO call a plumber to drain and winterize the system if the heat has been turned off in the winter.
Walls:
DON’T wipe or attempt to wash walls or any other absorbent surfaces.
Windows:
DO open windows to ventilate if possible.
Water Damage
DO:
- Ensure water source has been eliminated
- Turn off circuit breakers to wet areas
- Remove small furnishing from carpet
- Place aluminum foil under furniture legs
- Remove and secure breakables, moisture-sensitive and high-value items
- Hang draperies and pin-up furniture skirts
- Plan for restoration crews to move some furniture to dry areas
- Wash your hand thoroughly after handling wet items.
DON’T:
- Use any type of home vacuum (even a “shop” vacuum), since electrical shock may occur
- Turn off any drying equipment
- Increase or decrease room temperature unless instructed to do so by a restoration professional
Sewage & Flood Damage
DO:
- Treat all water-impacted surfaces and furnishing as toxic until properly decontaminated
- Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas
- Leave the property if you or your family members have respiratory problems (including allergies or asthma)
- Leave the property if you have children under the age of 2 or adults older than 60 living at the home
- Leave the property if you are pregnant or have a weak immune system
DON’T:
- Track contaminated material into undamaged areas
- Directly handle contaminated items
- Consume foods or use personal hygiene items that were left out in contaminated areas
- Turn on fans to circulate air or use any type of vacuum equipment
Biohazard Emergencies (blood-borne pathogens, crime scenes)
DO:
- Stay out of the area
- Call 911 if your life or safety – or that of another – is in danger
- Treat all bodily fluids as contaminated
- Consult with your physician about receiving a post-exposure medical evaluation
DON’T:
- Attempt any type of clean-up
- Touch items that might be soiled with bodily fluids
- Eat, drink or smoke in affected areas
Vandalism Emergencies
DO:
- Wash egg damage from walls (interior or exterior) as soon as possible
- Scrape and blot (do not rub) affected carpets and fabrics using a moist – not over-wet – cloth or sponge on carpets and fabrics
- Vacuum glass from carpets, furniture and floors
- Save any empty containers – they are useful in determining the make-up of spilled items (i.e., inks, perfumes, etc.)
DON’T:
- Attempt to clean ink, make-up or paint stains
- Operate damaged light fixtures, electronics or appliances
- Throw away pieces – such as shards of glass or porcelain or pieces of wood – from broken or damaged items
