Safety and Preparedness

What you need to know

Safety and Preparedness

Safe Response to a Flood

Find the water source and stop it
Call ABK Restoration Services to request emergency water mitigation – in most cases we are on scene in less than 90 minutes
If you think you may require an insurance claim to cover expenses, contact your insurance company, file a claim and inform them you are having ABK respond to mitigate damages
If a plumber is required, ABK Restoration Services can provide one in rapid response time as part of our response protocol

Minimizing Your Water Damage

Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting
Do not use a regular vacuum cleaner to extract water
Place plastic bags, aluminum foil, or foam blocks under furniture legs to prevent dyes and wood stains from soaking into wet carpets
Lift books & magazines from wet carpets – Ink colors may run
Wipe water from wood furniture as soon as possible
Open boxes, musical cases, camera cases, and suitcases to promote drying
Turn off all electronic items and move to a dry location. Turn off lights and ceiling fans, if ceiling is wet
Poke small holes in wet sagging ceilings to relieve water pressure
Place buckets or towels underneath to catch drippings
Turn heat off or down low to control humidity and mildew process
Open windows to enhance drying – air movement is key

Safe Response to a Fire

If the fire is contained, locate a fire extinguisher and use the P.A.S.S. method to put it out
If the fire is NOT contained, immediately evacuate the premise and call 911
Call ABK Restoration Services at your earliest convenience to request our 24-hour board up service which protects your exposed home against vandals and looters

Caution! Some fires can remain smoldering for a long time in hidden places such as within the walls. Do not attempt to conduct a self inspection. Have a professional inspect all possible threats before considering the area safe. Don’t worry, we can help with this step too.

Fire Clean Up Do’s

Remove pets (especially birds) and plants to a clean environment, including changing water in fish tanks
Provide alternate power sources to freezers and refrigerators. If this is not possible, or if electricity is off, empty freezers and refrigerators and prop doors open with a rolled up newspaper or towel to ventilate. It is preferable to turn off all electronic items and do not use again until they have been cleaned
Introduce fresh air to the contaminated environment by opening windows
Refrain from sitting on or placing anything on furniture, and limit foot traffic on carpeting until professionally cleaned
Do not attempt to clean walls, ceilings, unfinished wood, or other absorbent surfaces
Do not launder or dryclean garments that smell smoky, as it may cause smoke to stain or odour to set in
Wash plants with water on both sides of the leaves. Also, remove the top 1/2 to 1″ of soil
Vacuum or blow off loose smoke particles from upholstery, draperies, lampshades, carpets, etc. Do not try to wipe off as the particles may smear
Pour anti-freeze in toilet bowls, sinks and tubs to prevent freezing if the heat is off in the winter
Clean faucets, tub fittings, chrome bars, and trims on kitchen appliances
If the heating system is off in the winter, drain the heating system if applicable
If possible, do not operate furnace until ducting is cleaned, change filter immediately if it is necessary to have it on
Clean and protect bathroom faucets, tub fittings, chrome towel bars, and trims on kitchen appliances

Fire Clean Up Dont’s

Use computers, appliances, TVs, VCRs or stereos until they have been cleaned and tested
Use food items that have been exposed to soot, or canned goods that have been subjected to excessive heat
Use upholstered sofas and chairs, etc
Attempt to wash walls, ceilings, unsealed wood, bricks or other absorbent surfaces
Launder clothes or dry clean garments that have a strong smoke odour
Improper cleaning may set smoke or odours