Disaster Prevention

"Upholding Your Future"

1445 Main Street, Tewksbury MA 01876
tel. (978) 851-0400, (888) 466-AUTO, fax (978) 851-7270, email atlasinsure@aol.com

ACTING IMMEDIATELY CAN SALVAGE WATER DAMAGED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

On average, households are three times as likely to receive damage fiom water as they are a fire or any other type of unfortunate, natural disaster. If a homeowner knows what actions to take immediately following a flood or broken water pipes, furniture and other household items can be salvaged and brought back to original condition.

ServiceMaster by Gilmore Brothers, a disaster restoration company, offers the following 'DOs" and "DON'Ts" for salvaging water damaged household items:

WATER DAMAGE -- DO:

Use dehumidifiers as available (temperature should be above 60 degrees).

Use fans to circulate air to assist drying and fight mildew.

Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.

Wipe furniture dry.

Place wood blocks, plastic wrap, or foil between furniture legs and carpet to prevent staining or rusting on carpet.

Lift draperies off carpet and hang on drapery rods by looping through a coat hanger.

Prop wet furniture cushions up for even drying. Check for possible "bleeding.

Remove oriental rugs or other coverings from wet wall-to-wall carpet.

Open furniture drawers, closet doors, or luggage to enhance drying.

Move paintings and art objects to a dry location.

Punch small "nail " holes in sagging ceiling to allow water to drain.

Remove wet fabrics and dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.

If damage occurs in summer - use air conditioner (do not turn heat up)

WATER DAMAGE - DON'T:

Do not use household vacuum to remove water.

Do not use TV or 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 as this could promote shrinkage.

Do not wait to call for professional help -- damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.

Washing Machine Hose Breaks

Dryer Fires

Fall Checklist

Wintertime Safety Tips

Furnace "Puff Backs"

Frozen Pipes

Recovering From Water Damage

Recovering From Fire