Emergency Tips for Disaster Damage Clean-up
Nationwide Emergency Service (800) 374-8810

The following are emergency tips that will help reduce property damage and insurance claims when disaster damage occurs.

Fire and Smoke Damage Water Damage Soot (Furnace) Damage Vandalism Damage

Fire and Smoke Damage

Do... Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of vaseline or other oil. Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapery and carpet. Open windows for ventilation Change furnace filter if blower is operating. Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper. Clean and protect smoked bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coating of oil. Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, sinks, and tubs to prevent freezing if heat is off in winter. Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves (water softener helps). Call plumber to drain heating system if heat is off in winter. Remove pets (especially birds) to clean environments. Do Not... Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces. Use upholstered furniture if it can be avoided. Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat . Use TVs, stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked. Send smoked garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke and odor.

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Water Damage

Do... Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items. remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding). Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer; open windows to speed drying in winter. Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying (do not force, however). Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place. Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels. Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight if possible. Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water (don't forget to place pans beneath!) Do Not... 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 appliances while standing on wet carpet 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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Soot (Furnace) Damage

Do... Change furnace filter. Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use. Tape doubled pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape. Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting. Do Not... Attempt to clean walls or ceilings. Use do-it-yourself, home carpet or upholstery cleaners.

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Vandalism Damage

Do... Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible. Wipe up freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't over-wet!). DO scrape and blot (don't rub; it may cause fuzzing or damage fibers). Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery. Save containers which will reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints. Do Not... Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains. Operate damaged lamps or appliances. Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

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