FEATURE ARTICLE Information Provided by First Response
Has it ever happened to you...
You walk in the door and you've got an inch of standing water from a broken pipe?
You've got water dripping from the ceiling-and you don't know where it's coming from?
You're on vacation and you get a call from a neighbor that you've got smoke billowing from your home?
What do you do when your house floods, a storm hits or fire strikes? If you're like most people, you don't plan in advance for an emergency. So when it happens, you're caught off guard. All you feel is panic and confusion.
The key is to be ready. Some simple pre-planning puts you a step ahead when it does happen. Have someone in mind who is an expert in water, fire and storm damage. "Rapid response in a home emergency is essential," says Dale Richmond of First Response Services. Getting a qualified, experienced restoration company that responds quickly will help get you get back to normal.
The following Emergency Tips were compiled by members of the National Institute of Fire Restoration and First Response Services of Warner Robins. They are based on their professional experience in this field. Unfortunately, all disaster situations are unique and the best intentions can sometimes create even more damage. Following are some basic steps you can take until help arrives.
Fire and Smoke Damage
After fire damage, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can jeopardize or seriously impede satisfactory restoration.
Do...
- Open windows for ventilation.
- Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper.
- 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.
Water Damage
The harmful effect of water is sharply reduced by prompt and wise action. Some procedures are obvious; others require experienced professionals.
Do...
- Turn off the water main and call a licensed plumber.
- 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.
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.
Vandalism Damage
Vandalism is upsetting even when the motivation is not malicious. While timely action can minimize or prevent lasting damage, it is just as true that wrong or delayed action can increase it; sometimes beyond hope of repair. Emergency Tips listed below will minimize the effects of the damage, and make the eventual repair more successful.
Do...
- Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
- Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
- Save containers which will reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.
Do Not...
- Touch or move items that may prove helpful to law enforcement until given the OK.
- 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.
