Fire & Smoke Damage     Water Damage     Vandalism Damage     Harmful Waste

• Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can impregnate upholstery, walls and woodwork causing more damage.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and carpet traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances with light coating of Vaseline® or oil.
• Pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls and tubs if heat is off during freezing season.
• Wash off house plants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Cover upholstery with old sheets before use.
• Tape double layer of cheesecloth over heat registers.

DON'T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional restoration service.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a professional restoration service.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances. TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been closest to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (they may be contaminated).
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

DO:

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions 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 Orientals or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight, if possible.
• Pick up loose items, toys, etc. off the floors.

DON'T:

• 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 household appliances while standing 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.

DO:

• Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Blot up freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't overwet). Do scrape and blot (don't rub; it may cause fuzzing or damage to 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 cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects.

DO:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency personnel if a life-threatening situation is occurring.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they were contaminated.
• For sewage damage, turn off HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Attempt clean-up 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 wastes, consult your physician or local health department.