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What To Do Until Help Arrives
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
Fire disaster remediation
Dangerous situations can arise in an instant in Charlotte,NC, and it may be necessary to call 911 in the event of an emergency. If you call 911, once the proper paramedics, fire fighters, or police have been dispatched, there are steps that you can take until help arrives. Many emergencies are unforeseen and can cause great harm and damage such as water, fires, and storms. Follow these three steps to stay safe and avoid further harm while you wait for help to arrive.
1 Don’t Panic
The first instinct you may have in an emergency situation is panicking. Keeping calm is very important, as panic will only escalate the situation and make it more difficult to get the necessary assistance. It is easier said than done, however, taking steps such as taking deep breaths and focusing on the situation at hand can help you stay calm.
2 Prepare for Help to Arrive
While waiting for help to arrive, make it easier for emergency services to find where you are located. Turn on porch lights to make your home more visible, put pets away, and unlock the door to provide an easier path for anyone responding to the emergency.
3 Provide Comfort/ Aid
Provide comfort to the victim or victims in an emergency situation by reassuring them that help is on the way. Provide any necessary first aid to the victim with supplies that you have on hand.
What To Do After An Emergency Until SERVPRO Arrives
You may be at a loss of what to do with the damage to your home after emergency services leave, but before SERVPRO arrives. However, there are many steps you can take if you experience fire, water, or mold damage.
Fire Damage
After a fire in your home, limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded in upholstery and carpets. Keep your hands clean, so as to not further damage upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and carpet high-traffic areas. If electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
Water Damage
After flooding in your home, remove any excess water by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood items. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions. If it is summer, turn on the air conditioning for maximum drying. Don’t leave anything out in the water such as furniture, books, colored carpets, or loose items. If furniture is too heavy to move, simply place tin foil or wood blocks underneath the legs to keep water away from the furniture. Don’t use the television or other household appliances, because they could cause electric shock.
Mold Damage
If there is mold damage within your home, stay out of any affected areas. Turn off the HVAC system and any fans. Don’t touch or disturb the mold, or blow air across the areas that are suspected to have mold. Don’t attempt to dry or clean the area with disinfectants yourself.
Being prepared until help arrives can greatly assist in an emergency situation. If an emergency situation damages your Matthews, NC, home or business, give SERVPRO of South Mecklenburg County a call at (704) 840-6112.
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