Emergency Tips | ServiceMaster Clean & Restore Sea to Sky

Emergency Guidance

What to Do Right Now

These immediate steps can significantly limit damage to your property while you wait for our team to arrive. Remember: your safety comes first.

💧 Water Damage

✓ Do These Things

Contact professionals immediately — bacteria growth begins within hours
Remove standing water by mopping and blotting where it is safe to do so
Lift wet area rugs and draperies to prevent warping and staining
Wipe moisture from wood furniture and place aluminum foil under legs
Relocate photos, paintings, and other artwork to dry areas
Keep books tightly packed on shelves to minimize warping
Open drawers, closets, and cabinets to allow air circulation

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

Do NOT enter rooms with standing water before electricity has been shut off
Do NOT use a regular household vacuum to remove water
Do NOT lift tacked-down carpeting without consulting a professional
Do NOT operate electrical appliances on wet surfaces
Do NOT disturb any visible mould — this can spread contamination
Do NOT turn up the heat thinking it will speed drying

🔥 Fire & Smoke Damage

⏱️

Act within 72 hours. Corrosive by-products from smoke and soot can cause irreversible etching and permanent damage in as little as 72 hours. Call us immediately at 778-770-1311.

✓ Do These Things

Seek professional help immediately — this is not a DIY situation
Air out the house if the temperature is above 60°F (15°C)
Clean metal fixtures, doorknobs, and hardware to prevent tarnishing
Replace furnace air filters to improve air quality
Tape damp cheesecloth over air vents to capture loose soot particles
Discard any opened food packages that may have been contaminated
Send smoke-damaged clothing to a qualified restoration cleaner

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

Do NOT touch any surfaces with bare hands — oils transfer and can set stains
Do NOT attempt to wash walls or ceilings yourself
Do NOT clean carpets or upholstered furniture on your own
Do NOT use any electrical appliances until they have been inspected
Do NOT operate ceiling fixtures if they have been exposed to water
Do NOT attempt to remove soot from walls with household cleaners

🔨 Vandalism

⚡

Fast action is required after vandalism to prevent further damage to your property and preserve evidence. Document everything and call us and your insurance company promptly.

✓ Do These Things

Document all damage thoroughly with photographs and a detailed list
Use a wet-dry (shop) vacuum for glass particles — sweep carefully
Scrape or blot debris gently — never rub
Wash exterior residue with plain water
Contact your insurance company promptly after calling us

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

Do NOT use household cleaning products on fabric or upholstery
Do NOT attempt chemical stain removal without professional guidance
Do NOT operate any damaged electrical equipment
Do NOT discard any items until they've been documented for insurance

Emergency Resources & Immediate Tips

Wildfire Resources

Flooding Resources

Windstorm Resources

Ice Storm Resources

What to Do Right Now

💧 Water Damage

✓ Do These Things

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

🔥 Fire & Smoke Damage

✓ Do These Things

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

🔨 Vandalism

✓ Do These Things

✗ Avoid These Mistakes

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