Preventative Tips

Water

· Water damage can arise from fire damage, broken pipes, blocked drains, malfunctioning appliances, storms, and many other causes

· The appropriate treatment depends on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminants and should be considered hazardous (see Sewage and Flood Damage below)

· Whatever the origin, the prospects for restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building and personal property can be dried.

· Even clean water can generate mould and other bacterial growth if neglected

Do...

	- Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting
	- Remove saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk
	- Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water
	- Transport computers to a dry environment, remove cases and blow dry with low pressure air
	- Remove lamps, telephones, and decorative items from wet furniture tops
	- Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, but do not force open stuck drawers or doors
	- Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mould growth until drying can be performed
	- Place aluminum foil squares under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining
	- Phone Angel Restoration immediately to start the drying process and prevent secondary damage to unaffected portions of the structure and/or contents

Dont...

	- Operate TVs, vacuums or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors as serious injury may result
	- Use heat to dry closed building interiors as mould and expanded moisture damage may result
	- Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible

Sewage and Flood

Fire and Smoke

· After fire damage, it is natural to want to jump right in and clean the building and its contents

· Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect action can jeopardize or impede satisfactory restoration

Do...

	- Clean and protect chrome trim on faucets and other bright work by washing with detergent and applying a coat of Vaseline or oil
	- Blow off or brush-vacuum loose particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting
	- Open windows for ventilation if weather permits
	- Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow air circulation
	- Pour anti-freeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sink and tub drains to prevent freeze damage if heat is off in the winter
	- Move pets to a clean environment if heavy fire residues are present
	- Phone Angel Restoration to board up open windows, roofs, doors and other penetrations in order to prevent additional damage and to start the emergency mitigation process

Dont...

	- Wipe or attempt to wash fire residues from walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces
	- Use carpeting or upholstered furniture impacted by heavy smoke residue
	- Use food items or canned goods exposed to heat
	- Turn on computers, TVs, stereos or other electrical appliances until they have been properly cleaned and checked

Soot (Furnace)

· While soot may resemble smoke residues from a fire, the restoration of soot damage often requires different techniques

· Incorrect action can make restoration more difficult and delay the return to normal

Do...

	- Change and save the old furnace filter
	- Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, draperies and carpets
	- Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use
	- Empty refrigerators and freezers if electricity is off and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow for air circulation
	- Phone Angel Restoration to professionally clean affected surfaces and contents

Dont...

- Attempt to wash walls, ceilings or contents without professional assistance

Vandalism

Tony sent in from Richmond, January 28th, 2011
Outstanding work! A flawless restoration job and great people to work with.