Resources

o   Depending on the scope of the loss, and other monetary factors, decide on how to mitigate the damage.

o   Calling an emergency services company, such as SERVPRO® is very effective, yet costly. If SERVPRO is needed they can be reached at 1-800-737-8776.  Other Restoration Companies include SmokeClean (410-274-4444), CleanCare (401-736-5426), and PuroClean (1-866-787-6474).

o   If you can handle some of the work yourselves, here a just a few useful tips:

§  Don't work alone, if possible

§  Move valuables to a dry side or dry elevation

§  Extract all the water by any means — mopping, sump pump, portable sump pump, wet vacuum, or wet shop vacuum

§  Pump the water far from the foundation with a long hose.

§  Remove all saturated and damaged personal property (may need to preserve or photograph if insurance is available, or to record for tax purposes)

§  Pull up carpeting/rugs for cleaning or removal.

§  Remove and dispose of wet carpet padding. (Padding acts like a sponge and does not respond well to cleaning efforts).

§  Use fan to move air out and away from the basement — open windows after the rain stops

§  Turn on air conditioning, if available, to remove moisture from air.

§  Turn on a dehumidifier, if available, to remove moisture from air and to encourage further dry down.

§  When cleaning up afterwards, use rubber gloves and mild bleach solution to kill germs and reduce the instance of mildew and mold growth.