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Helpful Information

ABK Restoration Services has compiled a list of helpful tips and advice that can better prepare you to deal with emergency situations, mitigate loss and reduce or eliminate damage to your home, business or other property. These tips are based on our vast experience from the many years we have spent deeply entrenched in emergency restoration in Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna, Kamloops, Merritt, and West Kelowna areas.

Fire and water related disasters usually occur without warning, disrupting your home or business, and turning your life upside down. The good news is that prompt action after fire, smoke or water damage to your home or office can minimize long-term damage. In such emergencies, the first steps you take could mean the difference between a small cleanup and a more costly and time-consuming restoration. The following are helpful and important tips that will help you arrive at the best outcome, should you suffer the misfortune of unexpected damage to your home or business.

Water

The first thing you need to do in the event you find your dwelling flooded or flooding is find the water source and stop it. Next call ABK Restoration Services to request emergency water mitigation – in most cases we can respond to the dwelling in under 90 minutes. If you feel you need to file a 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 a minimal response time. ABK will extract standing water and then use our expert drying knowledge and state of the art moisture & humidity reading equipment to determine what is and is not salvageable. Finally ABK will set-up drying equipment such as industry standard air movers as well as dehumidifiers to reduce saturation and relative humidity. We will take readings over the next few days until our certified water technician is satisfied everything is dry and that we have successfully prevented any mold growth or further 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.

Fire

Having a fire in your home can be an extremely traumatic experience. ABK Restoration Services can help ease your mind by providing fast competent repairs. Unfortunately the potential for damage doesn’t end when the flames are out. To protect your home and contents from vandals and looters, take advantage of ABK’s 24 hour emergency board up service. This will keep your home or business secure while working out the details to get the restoration construction underway. ABK has the tools of the industry to remove the odor from you dwelling such as dry chemical sponges, ozone machines, shellac encapsulate and more. With over three decades of experience in fire damage restoration, our experienced and expert knowledge can make the restoration of your dwelling as smooth as possible from start to finish.

Do

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.

Do Not

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.

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