Safety Tips: Emergency Dos & Don'ts Until We Arrive

If you have water damage…

Water is an essential part of many cleaning processes, but in in some circumstances, water can cause significant damage. Call DKI-Pro Pacific for emergency restoration, and while you await our arrival, follow these simple rules after dealing with water damage:

DO...

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
• Wipe water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
• Remove and prop up wet upholstered cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding)
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

DO NOT...

• Leave wet fabrics in place -- dry as soon as possible
• Use your household vacuum to remove water
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors

If you have fire & smoke damage…

After a fire, it is natural to want to clean a building and its contents. Timely action can be a great help, but incorrect or delayed action can result in unsatisfactory restoration.

DO...

• Clean and protect chrome trim on kitchen appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or other oil
• Open windows for ventilation
• Clean and protect smoke-damaged bathroom faucets, tub fittings and towel bars with light coat of oil
• Remove pets (especially birds) to a clean environment

DO NOT...

• Wipe or attempt to wash walls, ceilings or other absorbent surfaces
• Use exposed food items, or canned goods which have been subjected to excessive heat
• Use TVs, stereos, or other electrical devices until cleaned and checked
• Send smoke-damaged garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke and odour

If you have soot (furnace) damage…

They may look the same, but smoke and soot are very different; and only professionals such as those from DKI-Pro Pacific know the difference. The proper action can save many content items, while inappropriate actions may cause items to take longer to restore – if they can be restored at all.

DO...

• Change the furnace filter
• Cover upholstery with clean sheets before use
• Tape double pieces of cheesecloth over air registers with masking tape
• Blow off or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpeting

DON'T...

• Attempt to clean walls or ceilings
• Use do-it-yourself home carpet or upholstery cleaners

If you have vandalism damage…

Vandalism is upsetting to anyone who has been a victim. While you may want to clean up right away, take a look at the following tips to help minimize further damage.

DO...

• Hose down or egg wash damage from building exterior as soon as possible
• Wipe up freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't over-wet!)
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery
• Save containers that reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints

DON'T...

• Attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances
• Throw out wood chips, broken pieces of furniture, porcelain or art objects