(cont.)
Fire and Smoke Damage - DON'T:

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional restoration service.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting a professional restoration service.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat, or water, without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Do not use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Do not send garments to ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
  

Vandalism Damage - DO:

• Hose down or wash egg damage from building exterior as soon as possible.
• Wipe up freshly spilled food from carpets and fabrics with a dampened cloth or sponge (but don't over wet.) Do scrape and blot (don't rub, it may cause fuzzing or damage fibers.)
• Vacuum glass particles from carpets and upholstery.
• Save containers that will reveal the composition of spilled inks, cosmetics, and paints.

Vandalism Damage - DON'T:

• Don't attempt to remove inks, paint, or cosmetic stains.
• Operate damaged lamps or appliances.
• Throw out wood chips, broken pieces from furniture, porcelain or other art objects

Water Damage - DO:

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe as much excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
• Place aluminum foil, china saucers, or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Open windows to speed drying.
• Remove Orientals or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for complete drying. (Do not force, however.)
• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe place.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight, if possible.
• Punch small holes in sagging ceilings to relieve trapped water. (Do not forget to place pans underneath.)

Water Damage - DON'T:

• Do not leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Fire and Smoke Damage - DO:

• Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into upholstery and carpets. Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can impregnate upholstery, walls, and woodwork, causing more damage.
• Blow off or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpet.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and carpet traffic areas to prevent more soiling.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop the doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and, appliances with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Pour anti-freeze in sinks, toilet bowls and tubs if the heat is off during the freezing season.
• Wash off houseplants on both sides of leaves. (Water softener helps.)
• Change furnace filter.
• Cover upholstery with sheets before use.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
  (cont.)