Emergency Tips

Here is a quick guide to the DO’s and DONT’s of the event of:

Fire
Flood
Storm
Vandalism

The DO’s of Fire and Smoke Recovery:

• Call your insurance representative as soon as your safety is secured outside the fire scene.
• Follow instructions from fire, police and insurance representatives. Your cooperation can help you return to normal as quickly as possible.
• Clean and protect chrome trim and faucets with coating of vaseline or other similar product.
• Open windows to aid ventilation.
• Blow off, brush or vacuum loose particles from upholstery, draperies and carpeting.
• Place material covers over carpet and upholstery to prevent further damage.
• Remove and replace furnace filter if still in operation.
• Tape double layers of cheese cloth over air registers.
• Pour antifreeze in toilets, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if heat/power off during freezing season.
• Remove pets to a clean environment and wash/bathe. Change the water in fish aquariums.
• Remove the top layer of house plant soil (1/2" - 1") and wash leaves on both sides.

The DON’Ts of Fire and Smoke Recovery:

• Please do not make hasty or costly decisions concerning your property under duress.
• Do not remove anything from the site of a major fire until investigated by fire and insurance investigators and after only when authorized to do so.
• Wipe or attempt to wash walls or ceilings.
• Sit on upholstered furniture until professionally cleaned.
• Use electrical appliances, TVs or stereos until cleaned and serviced.
• Operate wet appliances until you have had a professional servicing. Improper grounding or short-circuiting may result in property damage or safety hazards.
• Operate ceiling fixtures if ANY evidence of water damage to the ceiling is present.
• Consume food goods from a smoke or fire damaged area or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat.
• Launder clothes or dry clean garments that have a strong smoke odour.

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The DO’s of Water Damage Recovery:

• Go to your main water shut-off valve and close it until repairs can be made to a burst plumbing pipe. Call a plumber to make necessary repairs.
• Make small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. Place containers under holes to contain dripping water.
• Prop up / elevate furniture (legs) on wood blocks or similar type item OR place aluminum foil between the legs and wet surface to prevent furthur water damage.
• Damages to wood furniture or fixtures may be salvagable! First clean off water, mud or dirt. Remove drawers and dry thouroughly to prevent warping. Scrub with a soft brush and mild cleaning solution; use a soft cloth to wipe dry.
• Open doors and windows to prevent mold and decay. If possible, use a fan to circulate air, ensuring the fan outlet is safe to use first!
• Remove as much excess water as possible using pumps, mops etc.

The DON’Ts of Water Damage Recovery:

• Do not attempt to dry wooden furniture in the sun! This can lead to severe warping and twisting of the wood.
• Operate wet appliances until you have had a professional servicing. Improper grounding or short-circuiting may result in property damage or safety hazards.
• Operate ceiling fixtures if ANY evidence of water damage to the ceiling is present.

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The DO’s of Storm Damage Recovery:

• If your home has flooding, check with an electrician before turning anything back on. Mixing water and electricity is extremely dangerous.
• If you drained your plumbing system, refill your pipes only after heat is restored to your home or building. Make sure to check your entire system carefully for leaks.
• Leave a light switch on to alert you when the power is restored.
• Once power is restored, gradually reconnect your appliances one at a time to avoid overloading your circuits.
• If your neighbors get their power back, but you don’t, call your local HYDRO provider to report the continuing outage.
• Check food in your refrigerator or freezer carefully after a prolonged outage. If in doubt, throw it out.
• Private property owners should check with their local municipalities to find out how storm-damaged trees and other debris should be handled. Some municipalities may own trees next to your property, so that municipality will be responsible for removing debris from the trees it owns.
• If you own a service pole that has been damaged, it is generally your responsibility to have a new pole installed so that your local HYDRO provider can safely restore your service.
• If you see any downed or fallen lines, broken poles or trees touching wires, protect yourself and others by calling 911 or your local HYDRO provider immediately. Don't assume they already know!
• If someone is being electrically shocked due to downed power lines, do not touch them! Call for rescue and/or emergency medical assistance immediately to report a life-threatening emergency.
• Report any gas odor or suspected carbon monoxide poisoning immediately and find a safe place of refuge.

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The DO’s of Vandalism Damage Recovery:

• Hose down or wash any egg damage or residue from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Wipe up freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a damp cloth or sponge, taking care to 'blot', not rub.
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers that may reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics and paints.

The DON’Ts of Vandalism Damage Recovery:

• Don't attempt to remove ink, paint or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Dispose of any wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or any other art objects.

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