Emergency Steps to Take
After the disaster Occurs...
Before the Professional Restoration Begins
Weather it's damage from fire, smoke, water or vandals, it's natural when any casualty occurs for you to want to take action immediately. This guide lists specific steps you can take until the Chem-Master professional restoration service gets under way.
Three important reminders:
- Begin your emergency measures only when the police or other casualty officials have concluded their investigations. This is particularity important in the case of vandalism or suspected arson.
- For both fire- and water-related damage, be especially careful handling anything electrical.
- Remember that, as a Complete Service Provider, Chem-Master can perform all restoration and reconstruction services that you need to turn your house into your home again.
Fire & Smoke Damage
Action - What to do
- Throughout the house: Keep movement to a minimum and keep your hands clean as you work. Both these measures will help prevent soot particles from penetrating upholstery, carpets, walls and woodwork, thereby causing more damage.
- Upholstery: Brush off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles. Then cover upholstered furniture with sheets.
- Drapes & carpets: Brush off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles. Place clean, dry towels or linens over carpets in heavy traffic areas to prevent further soiling.
- House plants: Wash off both sides of leaves. Softened water helps.
- Ventilation systems: Change furnace and air-conditioning filters. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air grills.
- Food & drinks: Take inventory, then discard any canned or packaged foods or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. They could be contaminated.
- Refrigerator & freezer: If the electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop open the doors.
- Kitchen & bathrooms: If the heat is off and it's freezing weather, pour anti-freeze down sinks, toilet bowls and tubs. Clean and protect chrome on faucets and appliances with a light coating of WD-40®
Caution - What not to do
- Walls: To prevent soot from setting permanently, don't try to wash or paint without first contacting your Chem-Master representative.
- Carpets & upholstery: To prevent odor from setting permanently, don't attempt cleaning without first contacting your Chem-Master representative.
- Electrical appliances: Don't try to clean or repair TVs, radios, computers or any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water. Consult an authorized repair service.
- Clothing: Do not attempt to dry clean or launder smoke damaged items. Contact your Chem-Master representative for special instructions.
- Ceiling fixtures: Do not switch on any ceiling fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged.
Water Damage
Action - What to do
- Throughout the house: Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Open windows in cool weather to speed the drying process. In hot weather, switch on air conditioning if it's safe to do so. Call your Chem-Master representative for special instructions on how to prevent further damage.
- Upholstery: Remove all loose cushions and prop up on a clean sheet so that they'll dry more evenly. (Check for possible"bleeding").
- Carpets: Remove area rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpets. Pick up any books, magazines or other items that may be sitting on wet rug or floor.
- Storage receptacles: Open suitcases and other storage boxes, and dry them in sunlight if possible.
- Furniture: Place aluminum foil, wood blocks or saucers between furniture legs and wet carpeting. Open, but do not force, drawers and cabinet doors to dry out interiors.
- Ceilings: Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. Be sure to place drip pans underneath and move any nearby furniture or households items
- Artwork: Remove paintings and other artwork to a safe, dry place.
- Clothing: Dry all garments as soon as possible. Hang fur and leather goods to dry at room temperature.
Caution - What not to do
- Vacuums: Do not use your regular household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
- Electrical appliances: Do not use TVs, radios, computers or any electrical appliance while standing on wet carpets or floors, particularly concrete or tile floors.
- Ceiling fixtures: Do not switch on any ceiling fixture or fan if the ceiling is wet. Avoid rooms where ceilings sag due to a buildup of water.
Vandalism Damage
Action - What to do
- Throughout the house: Begin emergency measures after the police investigation.
- Exterior: Wash off or hose down any egg damage as soon as possible.
- Carpets & upholstery: Vacuum up glass particles. Blot food pills with a wet cloth or sponge. (Wring out any excess water first). Be careful not to spill, as this may damage fibers.
- Containers & fragments: Save any containers that can reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints. Also, save any broken pieces of furniture or household items (wood chips, pieces of porcelain, etc.).
Caution - What not to do
- Electrical appliances: Do not use any damaged appliances or lamps.
- Stains: Do not try to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
