Water Damage Do’s and Don’ts

Water damage restoration is an emergency business. That’s why ServiceMaster South Shore is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Our quick response reduces your suffering and saves money. Water damage claims increase substantially if prompt action is not taken to contain the damage.

DOs

• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• 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.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• 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 dryseparately at room temperature.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
• If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer use an air conditioner if available.

DON’Ts

• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• 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. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.
• Do not use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not leave books, magazines, or any colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures (if ceiling is wet).
• Do not leave wet fabrics in place.

Why is Mold a Problem?

What is mold?

We have probably all encountered mold at one time or another. It might have been in the shower, or on a stale piece of bread or wet drywall. Mold is a microscopic life form found in all parts of the world. It is part of the natural decay process of organic materials. There are many different species of mold, and while they are diverse, they share some common characteristics:

Molds require an organic food source. The most common food source indoors is cellulose, which is found in building materials such as wood and drywall.

Molds require oxygen, so they do not grow under water.

Molds require moisture. To prevent mold, buildings must be kept dry.

Molds are spread by tiny particles called “spores.”

Why is it a problem?

The colored, fuzzy growth on the surface of a wall, floor, ceiling or other indoor surface is obviously very objectionable.

Active mold colonies usually emit a very unpleasant, musty odor.

Because the job of mold is to digest, decay and recycle dead organic matter, it will eventually destroy whatever surface it grows on.

Exposure to mold spores can cause mild to severe allergic reactions, depending on individual sensitivity.

Dealing with Smoke & Fire Damage

What to do if you have smoke/fire damage

• Blow off or brush vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes and carpets.
• Cover carpeted traffic areas with towels or old linens to prevent additional soiling.
• Discard open food packages. The food could be contaminated.
• If electrical service is off, clean out your freezer and refrigerator. Leave the doors propped open or place charcoal in the unit.
• Send clothing with heavy smoke damage to a qualified professional dry cleaner who specializes in smoke damage.
• Clean Formica and chrome fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom to prevent permanent tarnishing.
• Wipe residue from porcelain bath fixtures to prevent etching.
• Wipe the leaves of houseplants to remove smoke residue.
• Change the air filter on your furnace if it uses forced hot air.
• Tape cheesecloth over intake and outlet air registers to capture any loose soot in the air. This is even more effective if the cheesecloth is damp.
• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, air out the house to reduce smoke odor.

Important warning signs on smoke and fire damage

• Do not attempt to wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
• Do not attempt to clean carpets or upholstered furniture. Again incorrect procedures could increase damage.
• Do not use electrical appliances that have been close to fire or water before having them checked. They could malfunction.
• Do not use ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. A short circuit could result.
• Do not touch anything. Soot on your hands can permeate upholstery, walls and woodwork, causing further damage.
• Do not eat food that has been exposed to fire or smoke.
• Do not wait to call for professional help.

Marlon Blanco Joins ServiceMaster South Shore

Marlon Blanco, General Manager, joined ServiceMaster South Shore in July of 2009. Marlon comes to us from ServiceMaster Clean Corporate Offices where he was a Regional Manager. Marlon assumes responsibility for the day-to-day operations of the company, including Business Development, Strategic Planning, Local Marketing, Financial Analysis, Human Resources, and Future Growth Development.

Marlon tells us as a former Regional Manager with ServiceMaster Clean, he had the opportunity to work with independent business owners in developing succession plans, life and career goals, financial analysis reports, marketing plans and was responsible for assisting these businesses with day-to-day operations. He was also responsible for being a liaison between the ServiceMaster Clean franchises and our customers in property and casualty and commercial insurance industry, as well as risk management companies throughout the Northeast region.

Marlon Blanco’s Specialties:

Brand awareness, Contract negotiation, sales and marketing, Six-Sigma Green Belt.