Frequently Asked Questions

After a flood or fire - contact your insurance company.

What do I do if I have Water Damage?

• Efforts should be made as soon as possible to remove any accumulation of water or moisture.
  
• Remove excess water by mopping and blotting and remove all wet insulation, then install and start a dehumidifier.
  
• Remove loose items and cushions from wood furniture, then wipe all excess water from the wood.
  
• Put aluminium foil, coasters or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
  
• To prevent staining, remove Oriental or other coloured rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
  
• Keep drawers, cabinet doors, and closet doors open for faster, more complete drying.
  
• Remove loose items from wet areas to speed drying and prevent further damage to property.
  
• Where practical, blot all wet carpeting with clean, white towels.
  
• Dry wet fabrics as quickly as possible. Furs and leather goods should be allowed to dry at room temperature. Always keep space between wet items to allow for air circulation. This promotes faster, more complete drying.
  
• Remove, dry, and store art objects in a safe place.
  
• Do not use electrical appliances, including stereos and television sets, until they have been properly cleaned and checked.
  
• Do not use do-it-yourself cleaners on carpets and upholstery.

What to do if you have Fire and Smoke Damage?

• Close and lock all doors and windows (if possible). Close or block any other openings that might allow unauthorized access to your property.
  
• Cover any holes or openings in the roof. This will protect your property against further damage from the elements. If you need professional assistance for this task, consult your Claim Adjuster.
  
• Electricity and heat should be turned back on in your home by a qualified person. This should be done as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the structure.
  
• If heat cannot be restored to your home immediately in cold weather, a vendor (plumber or contractor) should be hired to drain your water supply lines. The water heater should also be drained and both the hot and cold water lines should be blown out with air. Antifreeze should be placed in all sinks, toilet bowls and tub traps, and do not forget to drain the water tanks of your toilets.
  
• Prevent heat from escaping the building in cold weather by completely sealing the structure.
  
• Move all pets to an uncontaminated environment, particularly birds.
  
• Prevent soot particles from being ground into upholstery and carpets. Start by limiting entry to and movement within your home. Remember to keep your hands clean. Touching walls, woodwork or upholstery with sooty hands can cause further damage.
  
• Do not turn on any empty water heaters that have been fully drained. Doing so may permanently damage or destroy them.
  
• If upholstery is dry, cover it with sheets. Do not cover wet upholstery.
  
• Use an undamaged vacuum cleaner (one that hasn't been exposed to extreme heat, fire or water) to blow off or brush-vacuum loose smoke particles from drapes, carpet and upholstery.
  
• A light coating of petroleum jelly or light oil will clean and protect chrome trim on appliances and bath fixtures.
  
• If the electricity is off, completely empty your refrigerator and freezer. Use rolled towels or folded newspapers to prop the doors open to ventilate stale odours. Charcoal briquettes can be used to absorb stale odours from inside the unit.
  
• Wash both sides of the leaves of all house plants. (Softened water is particularly useful for this).
  
• Do not wash walls or painted surfaces. Hire professionals who will use the proper chemicals for best results.
  
• Treat smoke and damaged garments with care. Improper cleaning may not only fail to remove smoke odour, but permanently set it. Cleaning experts should be told what has happened to your garments so that special deodorising and cleaning techniques can be applied.

Above all use the services of a professional Fire and Flood restoration company like Tempest Restoration who will work with your insurance assessor to restore your home to the condition it was in before the fire or flood.