Archive for Home Emergency Tips
Feb
20
Sewage, Blood, Urine, Feces Cleanup
Posted by: | CommentsDo:
- 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 a 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.
- If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician.
Feb
20
Vandalism Damage Cleanup
Posted by: | CommentsDo:
- 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 (but don’t over wet).
- Scrape and blot(don’t rub: it may damage fibers).
- Vacuum glass particles 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.
Feb
20
Water Damage
Posted by: | CommentsDo:
- 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 cushions for even drying.Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove Oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall 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 or 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, especially not on wet concrete floors. - Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet,and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
Feb
20
Fire, Smoke, & Soot Damage
Posted by: | CommentsDo:
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being imbedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls andwood work.
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Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
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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.
- Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.
- Wash house plants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheese cloth over air registers.
Don’t:
- Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional.
- Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Professional.
- 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.
- Use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
- 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.
