Helpful tips on what to do until help arrives....

12/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire & Smoke Damage:

Do:

• Limit movement in the building to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Blow or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Place clean drop cloths on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezers and refrigerators completely and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome on cafeteria and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline or oil.
• Wash plants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Don't:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Port Jefferson Professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO of Port Jefferson Professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical equipment that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send drapes to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Vandalism Damage:

Do:

• Hose or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible
• Blot freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with 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 cosmetics 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 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.

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 an prop wet upholstery 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.

Don't:

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items 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.