SERVPRO Offers Emergency Restoration Tips for Petaluma Homeowners!

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

You'll want to act quickly if an emergency strikes. Incorrect action, on the other hand, may cause more harm than good. In a disaster, properties should be thoroughly inspected by an expert to assess and repair the damage. Here are some helpful tips from your local SERVPRO!

Water Damage Do's

• Remove as much excess water as possible with a mop.
• Remove lamps and tabletop objects and clear off water.
• Take out all the upholstery cushions so that they can dry evenly.
• Place aluminum foil, saucers, or wood blocks between the wet carpeting and the furniture legs.
• Allow air to circulate by opening doors, windows, closets, drawers, and cupboards.
• Remove any valuable books and documents and place them in the freezer to prevent mildew growth until the drying process can begin.
• Stay away from rooms with sagging ceiling caused by water.
• If the damage occurs during the cooler months, keep the heat on; if its summertime, turn on the air conditioning if possible.

Water Damage Don'ts 

• No wet fabrics should be left in place. As soon as possible, dry them. Furs and leather goods should be dried with heat.
• Do not leave damp carpets or floors with books, magazines, or other colored materials.
• Do not use your vacuum cleaner to remove water from your home.
• Do not use TV's or electrical appliances when standing on damp carpets or floors.
• Do not turn on light fixtures if the ceiling is wet.

Fire Damage Do's

• Use a light coating of petroleum jelly to clean and protect chrome trim on taps and kitchen appliances.
• Before carrying out normal activities, blow off or brush-vacuum loose particles from furniture, curtains, and carpets.
• Allow for airflow by opening windows.
• If the power is turned off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop them open with a rolled newspaper.
• Turn off any electronics, especially computers, in and around the affected area.

Fire Damage Don'ts 

• Wipe or attempt to wipe absorbent surfaces such as walls, ceilings, or floors.
• If possible, avoid using upholstered furniture.
• After a fire, food in open packages in cupboards should not be consumed; most food and canned goods should be discarded.
• Dry clean smoked garments until the facility has been fully deodorized.

Sewage and Flood Damage Do's

• Throw away any food, cosmetics, medicine, medical supplies, toys, mattresses, pillows, upholstered couches, chairs, carpet padding, or cardboard that came into contact with sewage or floodwater.
• Assume any item that encountered sewage is polluted and should be discarded.
• Keep pets and children away from contaminated zones.
• Within the first 48 hours, clean and dry any damp surfaces or furniture to prevent mold growth.

Sewage and Flood Damage Don'ts

• Avoid using sprays or treatments to remove contaminated zones because they can cause more harm than good.
• To avoid future mold growth, do not install soft flooring coverings in locations where there is a known moisture issue (such as bathrooms with leaks).

About SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa

SERVPRO of Petaluma/Rohnert Park/Santa Rosa specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. As a locally owned and operated business, we live and work in this community too. So, you know, we are close by and ready to respond when you need us the most. Call Us Today - (707) 588-8226.