Emergency Tips | Wascana Restoration Ltd.

The following is a list of emergency tips compiled by the Restoration Industry Association which can also be found here in pdf format.

Water Damage Emergency Tips:

Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer (if there is no visible mould); in the winter, alternate cycles of opened windows and heating
Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting
Take up saturated rugs and carpets when hardwood floors are at risk
Stay out of rooms where ceilings are sagging
Remove computers and musical instruments 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 stuck drawers or doors
Freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed
Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining

Operate televisions, vacuums, computers or other electrical appliance while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially wet concrete floors – serious injury may result
Use heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture damage may result
Leave wet fabrics in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible

Treat all water impacted surfaces and furnishings as toxic until properly decontaminated
Keep children and pets out of contaminated areas

Track contaminated material into undamaged areas
Attempt to decontaminate surfaces with sprays and other over-the-counter germicidal products, which may not full disinfect contaminated surfaces

Clean and protect chrome trim on faucets and other bright work by washing with detergent and applying a coating of Vaseline, oil or other corrosion inhibitors
Blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting
Open windows for ventilation if weather permits
Empty refigerators and freezers if electricity is off, and prop doors open with a rolled towel or newspaper to allow air circulation
Pour antifreeze in toilet bowls, tanks, sink and tub drains to prevent freeze damage if heat is off in winter
Call a plumber to drain and blow out all water lines if heat is off in winter
Remove pets to a clean environment if heavy fire residues are present
Send a sample group of garments for cleaning and deodorization in order to observe the results before submitting a large quantity
Retain a contractor to board up open windows, roofs, or other penetrations in order to prevent additional damage

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