Resources

Valuable Document Loss

Temporary Repairs to Prevent Additional Damage

1. Properly close and lock (if possible) windows, doors and any other openings that would allow people free access.
2. Cover any opening in the roof to protect your property against the elements.
3. In cold weather, if heat can't be restored to the structure immediately, drain all supply lines and water heaters, and blow out both hot and cold supply lines with air, put anti-freeze in all sinks, toilet bowls and tub traps.
4. If moisture exists, every effort should be taken to remove it as quickly as possible.
5. The electricity should be restored to the structure as quickly as possible by a qualified person.
6. Completely seal the structure if it is cold so that heat will not escape from the building.
7. Make sure water heaters are drained, and turned off.

1. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
2. Remove wet insulation and start dehumidifier.
3. Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying in summer, in winter heat area to approximately 74 to 76 degrees and operate dehumidifier and fans until dry.
4. Remove or prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
5. Wipe up excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
6. Put aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
7. Remove all valuables, art objects, paintings, jewelry, etc. and put in a safe place.
8. Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying.
9. Blot wet carpeting with clean white towels and lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
10. Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

1. Attempt to use any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water or while standing on wet floors, carpets or particularly wet concrete floors.
2. Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, wiring may be damaged. Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.
3. Use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
4. Go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
5. Lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
6. Wait to call for professional help. Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

1. Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into the upholstery and carpets and cover carpeted areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional damage.
2. Tape double layers of cheesecloth over all air registers.
3. Change furnace filters.
4. Cover upholstery with sheets (if the upholstery is not wet).
5. Blow off or brush loose smoke particles from upholstery, drapes and carpet.
6. Open windows for ventilation in warm weather.
7. Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or light oil.
8. Empty freezer and refrigerator completely if electricity is off, and prop doors open with rolled towel or newspaper. And discard any opened food packages, they could be contaminated.
9. Wash plants with water on both sides of leaves.
10. Remove pets (especially birds) to a clean environment.
11. Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a professional restoration cleaner rather than any dry cleaning company.

1. Use TV's stereos, or electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
2. Use do-it-yourself home carpet or upholstery cleaners.
3. Wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
4. Eat food that has been exposed to heat. They may be contaminated.

1. Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
2. Wipe up freshly spilled foods from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge.
3. Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery with extreme care.
4. Save cans and containers which will reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

1. Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
2. Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or art objects. Allow someone experienced in restoration to review damage before discarding.