EMERGENCY TIPS FROM CANADA'S RESTORATION COMPANY

Water Damage
Fire Damage
Vandalism

THIS IS NOT JUST A HOUSE, IT IS YOUR HOME. AND, YOUR HOME MERITS THE FINEST PROTECTION AND CARE. SERVICEMASTER RESTORE CAN HELP YOU ACHIEVE IT. STARTING WITH EXPERT ADVICE FROM CANADA'S PREMIER RESTORATION COMPANY ON HOW TO IMMEDIATELY PREVENT MORE DAMAGE.

Should your home suffer the misfortune of damage from fire, smoke, or water, the first steps you take can be critically important. The actions you take, could dictate whether you face a simple cleanup or a costly and protracted restoration process.

Knowing when to call in a professional is one of the most important things when faced with the need for restoration services. Calling a professional can often save you time and money, and doing so gets your life back to normal faster.

With ServiceMaster Restore our highly trained and experienced professionals work promptly and effectively. Our mission is to return your home to normal as quickly as possible. We do the job right - restoring your home, and your peace of mind.

Here are helpful tips for dealing with common emergencies that happen daily in Canadian homes.

Water Damage

What to Do

  • Seek assistance from a water damage restoration and mould removal professional. Mould and bacteria growth can begin within hours of a water damage situation.
  • If it is safe to do so, shut off all electrical power to the area. Once more, only if it is safe to do so.
  • Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
  • Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. Do not attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.
  • Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a plastic coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
  • Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.
  • Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
  • Refrain from attempting to remove books from the shelves. Instead, pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.
  • Open drawers, closets, and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

What Not to Do

  • Do not enter a room with standing water until you have turned off the electricity.
  • Do not use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
  • Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
  • Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
  • Do not disturb visible mould.

Fire Damage

What to Do

  • Corrosive by-products can cause irreversible etching in as few as 72 hours. Request for expert fire damage restoration assistance.
  • If the temperature is above 60°F, air out the house to reduce smoke odour.
  • Clean Formica, chrome, porcelain, and aluminum fixtures to prevent permanent tarnishing or etching.
  • If your furnace uses forced air, the air filter will require replacement.
  • Tape damp cheesecloth over returns and supply registers to capture loose soot in the air.
  • Discard any open food packages.
  • If the electricity is off, clean out the refrigerator and leave doors propped open.
  • Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified restoration dry cleaner.

What Not to Do

  • Avoid contact with anything using your uncovered or unprotected hands. Oil from your hands can permeate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing additional damage.
  • Avoid cleaning or wiping the walls. Incorrect cleaning could compound the soot residue.
  • Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture.
  • Do not use electrical appliances until having them checked.
  • Avoid using ceiling installations if the ceiling is damp or wet.

Vandalism

What to Do

  • One needs to take immediate measures to avoid additional harm. Call a vandalism repair and restoration professional to remove damage caused by vandals.
  • Compile a record of all damage and destruction.
  • Use a shop vacuum to remove glass particles from carpet and upholstery.
  • Remove any debris from carpet or interior walls. Brush or dab carpets and furniture - avoid rubbing.
  • Wash egg or other residue from the building exterior using water.

What Not to Do

  • Do not use household cleaning products on fabrics, upholstery, or carpets.
  • Do not attempt to remove chemical stains, including ink or paint.
  • Do not operate damaged electrical appliances.