Freeze/Thaw Season is Here!

HELPFUL TIPS FOR FREEZE/THAW SEASON!

It's that time of year when we experience freeze/thaw cycles that bring an increase in water damage claims. Below are some  helpful tips for homeowners and business owners alike to use until a restoration professional is able to respond. Please feel free to share on your blogs or websites. 

Water Damage:
Water damage often accompanies fire and smoke damage, because water is most often used to extinguish fires. Also, intense fires can result in broken pipes. The appropriate treatment for water damage depends on the nature of the damage. Some water carries contaminates and should be considered hazardous. Whatever the origin, the prospects of restoration depend largely on the speed with which your building and personal property can be dried. Even clean water can generate mildew and other bacterial growth if neglected.

Do's

• Stay out of rooms where ceilings sag from retained water.
• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on air conditioning for accelerated drying in summer; in winter alternate cycles of opened windows and heating.
• Remove wet area rugs, carpets and other floor coverings.
• Remove lamps, telephones and decorative items from wet furniture tops.
• Transport computers to a dry environment, remove from cases and blow dry with low pressure air.
• Remove standing water from surfaces by mopping, sponging and blotting.
• Place aluminum foil squares, china saucers or wood blocks under furniture legs to avoid carpet staining.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Open furniture drawers, cabinet drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Do not force open stuck drawers or doors.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry. If time is not permitting, freeze valuable books and documents to retard mildew growth until drying can be performed.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

• Do not use heat to dry closed building interiors; mildew and expanded moisture damage may result.
• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Beware of wet concrete. Serious injuries may occur on slippery surfaces.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
• Do not wait to call for professional help. Proper drying within the first few hours greatly diminishes damage from water and bacteria growth. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.