Insurance Restoration Contractors San Diego

INFORMATION - TIPS

DO'S AND DONT'S

Fire Clean Up

• DO gather all important papers, if possible. i.e. identification (social security, driver's licenses), insurance, medical information, passports and real estate papers.
• DO locate any prescriptions, eyeglasses, wallets and other personal items.
• DO notify the police that the property will be unoccupied, if necessary.
• DO advise your immediate circle as well as insurance agent, mortgage holders, employers and schools where they can reach you.
• DO start saving all of the receipts for expenses resulting from the damage.
• DO vacuum or blow off loose soot from carpets, furniture and window coverings.
• DO protect carpet from further grime by covering high traffic areas with towels or old bedding.
• DO throw away any open food packages to avoid eating contaminated food.
• DO remove food from refrigerators and freezers, if the electricity is off. Putting a bowl of charcoal in the unit will help remove any odors.
• DO be sure that your pets have a safe and secure environment.
• DO wipe porcelain and formica surfaces to prevent etching on the surfaces.
• DO clean the leaves of houseplants with a damp cloth.
• DO apply a thin coat of oil to the surface of bright metal surfaces, after cleaning them with detergent, to protect them from further damage.
• DO change the filter if you have a forced-air heater. Damp cheesecloth or gauze fabric over the intake or outlet register will capture loose particles from the air.
• DO send out a few clothes to be cleaned and deodorized to test the result.
• DO open doors and windows to air the house, if it is warm enough.
• DO be careful when you must touch things. The grime on your hands may cause further damage to the walls, woodwork or furniture.
• DON'T throw away anything until a complete inventory of damaged items has been taken.
• DON'T start washing walls or ceilings. The wallpaper and painted surfaces may require special treatment to avoid further damage.
• DON'T clean the upholstery or carpets until you consult with professionals about the proper procedure.
• DON'T use any of the electrical appliances, including ceiling lights/fans, computers, TV and stereo until they have been examined for fire or water damage.

Water Clean Up

• DO increase airflow to wet areas. In the summer air conditioning accelerates drying. In the winter open windows alternated with home heating will help.
• DO remove all saturated carpets or rugs if hardwood floors are at risk.
• DO place coasters under furniture feet to prevent carpet staining. (China saucers, blocks of wood or squares of aluminum foil will work well.)
• DO remove all objects, including lamps, clocks and curio from wet furniture tops.
• DO sponge or blot all standing water off of flat surfaces.
• DO move computers to a dry environment. Consult with a professional before operating.
• DO open all furniture drawers and cabinet doors to air dry. If they have become too swollen to open, do not force.
• DO put buckets beneath small holes placed in the ceiling to drain off water, when ceiling is sagging with retained water.
• DO separate damp papers with dry paper towels to help remove moisture.
• DO place broken or crumpling items in a container to be reassembled when all pieces are completely dried.
• DO place valuable papers and books in the freezer until they can be treated by a conservator.
• DON'T use standard carpet vacuum cleaner to remove water on the floor.
• DON'T clean walls or ceilings before consulting with professionals about cleaning requirements of wallpaper, paint or wood surfaces.
• DON'T use any electrical appliances including ceiling fans, lamps and televisions, before they have been thoroughly checked for water damage.
• DON'T operate electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or cement.
• DON'T leave wet fabrics in a heap. Hang or place flat on dry surface to thoroughly dry.
• DON'T dry papers or small objects in direct sunlight because they may dry too fast and become more brittle.
• DON'T place damp items in sealed plastic bags. Without proper air circulation, mold will grow.

Wind Clean Up

• DO proper maintenance of the yard around your property. This will help reduce the damage when the winds arrive. Be sure the area surrounding your buildings has been cleared of brush and weeds, a minimum of 100', to provide a buffer in the event of wildfire. Well pruned trees allow the wind to pass through.
• DO secure all loose items outside, such as patio furniture and garbage cans, prior to the arriving winds.
• DO unplug all major appliances if the electricity is out, to prevent a surge when the power is restored.
• DO use battery powered flashlights and radios until power is restored.
• DO treat all downed wires as "live", or "electrified" wires. Keep yourself and others away from them.
• DO inspect your property for telephone poles or trees that may have damaged the structure. Check for structural damage that may not be apparent. Damaged roofs can lead to water damage in the house.
• DO check for loose siding on the property and fasten it to the house with nails. This prevents the material from separating more, or breaking loose and causing damage to the surrounding structures.
• DO protect the roof, where it has been stripped, with temporary plastic sheeting, tacked in place.
• DO cover blown out windows or doors with plywood sheeting to reduce further damage and enhance security.
• DON'T use candles for light when the electricity is out. If you must use candles be extremely cautious to reduce fire danger.
• DON'T approach downed wires, or trees that may be unstable.
• DON'T try to heat your home or cook indoors with charcoal or other outdoor grills, if the electricity is out. outdoor grills can create deadly fumes if used indoors.
• DON'T enter rooms that have suffered structural damage until a professional inspector has assessed the damage.

Sewer Spill Clean Up

• DO treat everything the water has come in contact with as toxic, until it can be decontaminated.
• DO always wear protective gloves and boots in the contaminated area.
• DO wear goggles if you are using a hose or spraying the area. Wearing rain gear is recommended.
• DO keep your children and pets from the contaminated area.
• DO protect all cuts and scrapes from exposure. Wash your hands frequently. If a cut is exposed, wash it immediately.
• DO clean all dishes, cooking and eating utensils with water and a chlorine bleach solution.
• DON'T track contaminated material into undamaged areas on your shoes or tires.
• DON'T use over-the-counter cleaners and disinfectants to clean contaminated areas. These may not be sufficient to decontaminate the area.
• DON'T use gas powered pumps to remove water in enclosed spaces. You may be overcome by carbon monoxide.

Hazardous Material Clean Up

• DO if you witness an accident, call 911 as soon as possible. Tell them what kind of accident and the location of the accident.
• DO if possible, cover your mouth and nose with a cloth to prevent inhaling gases, fumes or smoke from the scene.
• DO help insure that children and others stay away, upwind from the scene.
• DO check the television or radio for current emergency information.
• DO when advised to stay indoors, close and lock windows and doors. Seal any gaps in the windows and doors with damp towels, duct tape or aluminum foil.
• DO while inside, turn off ventilation systems and close fireplace dampers. Seal dryer, stove and air conditioning vents.
• DON'T enter the spill area to assist others until the substance has been identified.
• DON'T spray with water or attempt to remove the spilled material yourself.
• DON'T allow your pets and other animals to get near the accident site.
• DON'T evacuate until you are advised to do so.

Auto Damage Clean Up

• DO be very careful! Remember that the car could ignite.
• DO check for any leaking fluids from the car and use pans to catch the spill.
• DO safely check that the power is off and any pilot lights and utilities are off.
• DO call a towing service to remove the car.
• DO use a temporary framing wall or plywood cover over open structure area to secure it.
• DON'T attempt to move the vehicle without consulting a qualified professional. Removing the vehicle prior to inspection may cause substantially more damage.
• DON'T get underneath the vehicle.

Vandalism Clean Up

• DO keep any spray cans or other containers found at the scene. This will help to determine the proper cleaning method. It may be helpful in a criminal investigation.
• DO hose down or wash any splattered egg off of exterior surfaces as soon as possible to reduce damage.
• DO save all the pieces of broken furniture, ceramics and other objects.
• DO make a complete list of everything that was damaged.
• DON'T clean paint, ink or other staining on surfaces before consulting a specialist. Some attempts may permanently set the stain.
• DON'T use any fixtures or appliances that may be damaged.
• DON'T clean fabric or upholstery before consulting with professionals.

Carpets

• Have your carpets cleaned professionally at least once per year.
• Vacuum carpets at least once per week.
• Use doormats.
• Protect the surface of your carpets with a protector such as Scotchgard.
• Rotate furniture: Premature wear takes place when traffic paths are unchanged.
• Blot up spills when they occur, never rub or scrub, you may set the stain further.

• Vacuum furniture and drapes often. Dust and dirt can damage fabrics permanently and preventing this damage is the best way to protect your investment.
• Blot up spills immediately. Spills or spots left unattended may set as stains. Blot spills, never rub.
• Avoid placing your furniture in direct sunlight. Modern fabrics are usually very resistant to sunlight, however, under extreme exposure, even these can show signs of fading.

Tips for Mitigating Damage

• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.

• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
• Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

What to do if you have smoke/fire damage

• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

• Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again, incorrect procedures could increase damage.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
• Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
• Do not wait to call for professional help.

Water Damage Emergency Tips

DOs

• Blot or mop excess water.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting.
• Wipe excess water from furniture.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying.
• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe place.

• Use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
• Leave books, magazines, or any colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures (if ceiling is wet).
• Leave wet fabrics in place.