Whether a fire, a flood, a leak, or a septic issue, in the face of an emergency, you might be tempted to act fast. While taking an active stance is key, it’s also key to know what to do and what to leave to the professionals.

Below are some things to do as well as some things not to do in the event of some of the most typical home-related emergencies or damages.

If faced with water damage or leaks, here are some immediate steps you can take. 

Do

• Turn off your water
• Turn off your electricity
• Remove and standing water with a dehumidifier or a shop vac
• Prevent mold by freezing any wet papers or documents
• Open the door and windows to get air circulating and prevent mold from developing

Don't

• Unplug any wet wires or appliances if the electricity hasn’t been turned off

House fires, even very small ones, can be terrifying and can cause damage throughout the house. But there are steps you can take to mitigate your losses:

Do

• Have a professional or the fire department come immediately to inspect the situation
• Open windows and door
• Clean up surfaces while wearing the proper gloves and eyewear and using the right kind of cleaning products like Trisodium Phosphate, which can remove stubborn and sticky soot, dry soot sponges, alkaline soap and a degreasing solvent. 
• Clean dishes and silverware and throw out any food or beverages that were in the vicinity of the fire

Don't

• Run your HVAC or AC because you might be circulating bad air throughout your home
• Plug in appliances until they’ve been inspected by a pro
• Neglect drawers or other areas in which soot can get in

Mold is one of the most talked about problems homeowners face. If you suspect you have mold, call in a professional. There is no safe or effective way for a homeowner to remove mold without professional help. That said, a good defense is your best offense.

Think you have mold? Take the following steps.

• The nose knows, so if you sense a moldy smell, you probably have mold
• Look for obvious leaks in faucets, drains and in and around sinks. In just 72 hours after a leak, mold can form.
• Check for dampness in common places like basements or pantries. Keep your home well ventilated.

In a similar fashion to mold, sewage problems should not be handled by homeowners. You will need professional help. The best thing you can do is keep yourself, your family and your pets away from the source as sewage issues bring with them viruses, parasites and bacteria. 

That said, there are a few things you can do:

• Safely mop away excess water
• Remove uncontaminated but nearby belongings
• Get as much air moving as possible

Whether it’s mold, water damage, a fire or a septic issue, you can take certain steps in an emergency situation to keep you and your family safe but the best course of action is to get professional help from experts like the team at Total Restoration Inc. who can assess the damage, define a plan and work with your homeowner’s insurance provider to get your home back to as good as new.

For Immediate Help with mold, fire, or water damage, Call Us Now @ 516-333-5333