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SERVPROSERVPRO of Port Jefferson
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(631) 476-5300

Do's & Don'ts - Building Emergency Tips

2/11/2016 (Permalink)

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

Fire & Smoke Damage:

Do:

  • Limit movement in the building to prevent soot particles from being imbedded 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 Professional.
  • Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO 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.

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