Even though your home or business may have fallen victim to the
harsh side of nature or human neglect, rest assured that ServiceMaster
Clean can bring a happy ending to the situation. In fact, we guarantee
it!
Our
network of Quality Restoration Vendors, available 24 hours a day,
seven days a week, specializes in fire and water damage restoration,
as well as any other unexpected cleaning and restoration projects
in the home or workplace. ServiceMaster Clean has over 50 years
of experience and expertise in dealing with damage restoration,
with a full range of services that are set in motion within minutes
of your call.
Here are some pointers on what to do if you've experienced damage
by fire or smoke, flood or water, or vandalism.
Fire and Smoke Damage Emergency Tips
Dos
- 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 professional restoration cleaner
rather than a dry cleaning company.
- 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 house plants to remove smoke residue.
- Change
the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
- Tape cheese
cloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose
soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheese cloth
is damp.
- If the
outside temperature is agreeable, air out the house to reduce
smoke odour.
Don'ts
- 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 compound the soot problem.
- 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 professional help.
Flood and Water Damage Emergency Tips
Dos
- If the
outside temperature is moderate to hot, 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 non-metal coat hangar, and place
hangar on the drapery rod.
- Prop up
wet furniture cushions for even drying.
- 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.
- If damage
occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use
an air conditioner if available.
Dont's
- 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 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.
Vandalism Emergency Tips
Dos
- Wash any
egg or other residue from the building exterior.
- Remove
any debris or food from carpets or interior walls. Scrape or
blot carpets and furniture - do not rub.
- Vacuum
glass particles from carpet and upholstery. Do not walk barefoot
in the areas of glass residue.
- Save any
information about the type of fluid that was spread over surfaces.
- Make a
list of all damage.
Don'ts
- Do not
attempt to remove chemical stains such as ink or paint.
- Do not
operate damaged electrical appliances.
- Do not
throw away damaged wood chips or other small articles. They
might be helpful for repair.
- Do not
use household cleaning products on fabrics, upholstery or carpet
without consulting your professional cleaner.
To find
a ServiceMaster Clean Damage Restoration Representative near you,
please make a selection from our drop down lists HERE.
