Harleysville-Lansdale Real Estate and More: Damage Control: What To Do Until Help Arrives

When you least expect it, a sudden incident can cause major damage to your home. This can be in the form of fire and smoke damage or water damage from floods, sewage backups, a pipe rupture or most commonly, a sump pump failure. It is hard to know what to do first, who to call and how to handle the situation.

No one likes to think about it, but fire, smoke and water damage can happen in an instant. We have a good friend who works in damage restoration; he told us there are things you definitely do and don't want to do.  We thought we would share some of his tips with you:

The most important thing is to stay calm and do what is necessary to protect your safety and the safety of your family.  In the event of a fire, you should always call 911.  Even if you think you successfully put out a fire, you should have professionals evaluate the situation and ensure it is safe.  But then what to do? Fire and smoke damage can be pervasive throughout a home even if the fire is limited to one area. The smoke and soot can make its way everywhere. It is best to bring in a damage restoration company. Not only will they assist with the cleanup, they can help with moving items to storage, insurance claims and working with any other contractors needed to repair the home. For fire and smoke damage, you can and should:

1. Limit your movements in the home to prevent soot from becoming embedded in carpets and further soiling walls, woodwork and upholstery.
2. Lay down tarps, plastic or old towels in any high traffic areas.
3. Remove any plants or animals from the home. Wash down both sides of the leaves for houseplants. Clean any pets and make sure they have fresh air, water and food.
4. Leave the HVAC systems off until the system can be checked and filters changed.
5. If winter time, add RV antifreeze to sinks, toilet bowls, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
6. Leave ceiling fans and other fans off. That will only circulate the soot.
7. If a refrigerator or freezer is not operating, you can remove the contents. Be careful salvaging any food that may have gone bad.

You should not:

1. Attempt to wash the walls and shampoo the carpets. Leave that work for the professionals. Improper cleaning can set the stains and odors.
2. Attempt to clean or operate any appliances that were too close to the fire, heat or water. Have them checked by an authorized repairman.
3. Use any light fixtures where the walls or ceiling have water or fire damage. The wiring may be wet or damaged.
4. Take garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning can set odors.

In the event of water damage or contamination, it is imperative to determine if the water is clean or contaminated. Contaminated water may contain sewage, mud, blood/bodily fluids and mold or bacteria. Water damage from floods and sewer backups is likely to be contaminated. Under no circumstances should you attempt to clean up contaminated water. Stay out of the affected area until a damage restoration company or other help arrives.

If the water is clean (a sump pump backup or pipe rupture) and has not sat long enough to grow mold or other bacteria, you can take some steps on your own. For damage from clean water, you can and should:

1. Stop the source of the water if possible (shutoff the water main to the home).
2. Turn off the circuit breakers for the areas of the home that are wet. 
3. Move any furnishings and personal items to a safe, dry area. Towel off excess moisture from those items.  Remove excess moisture by wet vacuuming, bailing, mopping, and blotting.
4. Place wooden blocks or aluminum foil between any remaining furniture legs and wet carpeting, and pin up any curtains and furniture skirts to keep them from touching the wet carpeting.
5. Run a dehumidifier. However, keep the windows closed. Open windows will only add to the humidity in the air.

You should not:

1. Walk through standing water if there is a chance of electrical shock. Do not enter the area if there are outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment/ appliances that may be submerged.
2. Leave colorful area rugs or books, newspapers on wet carpets or floors. These items may cause permanent staining.
3. Use a household vacuum cleaner even on a damp surface. This can cause an electrical shock.
4. Use any light fixtures where the walls or ceilings have water damage.
5. Use TV’s or other appliances while standing on wet surfaces.
6. Assume you can do this without some professional help. Moisture may seep into trimwork and drywall. This may cause mold issues down the road.

Hopefully a major loss will not happen to you and your family, but it is always better to be prepared and to have an idea of what to do.

Contact Scott Loper, Associate Broker, Realtor®, RE/MAX Realty Group at 215-513-1333 for help buying or selling a home in Lansdale, Harleysville, Hatfield, Souderton, Skippack, Collegeville, North Wales and the surrounding areas of Montgomery County Pennsylvania. To Search for Homes For Sale in Montgomery County Click Here.

Damage Control: What To Do Until Help Arrives Copyright © 2010, The Scott Loper Team, All rights reserved.