Emergency

What to Do If An Emergency Happens

If something happens to your home and you have homeowners insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company as quickly as is safely possible. You can do so by calling your insurance agent, broker or the insurance company’s claims office.

In order to protect your property from further damage your insurance policy requires you to take reasonable steps

In some cases, they will require you to contract with a qualified restorer like Alliance Water Restoration to assist you in handling emergency services. If your home has been vandalized or you are the victim of a theft, you should report it to the police as soon as possible and ask for a copy of the police report.

Water Damage Do's and Don'ts

In case of a leak or indoor flood, we recommend that homeowners do the following to minimize loss and prevent further damage:

Water Damage Do’s

Stop the water flow if possible. If necessary hire a qualified person to assist you to make repairs.
Call your insurance.
Remove small furniture items to minimize furniture stains or rust.
Place aluminum foil or small wood blocks between furniture legs and wet floor.
Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
Lift drapes off flooring, loop through a coat hanger and hang on curtain rod.
Remove wet area rugs.
Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer. And leave the heat on, if it occurs during cool season.
Move valuable paintings, art objects and photos to a safe, dry place.
Open closet doors, furniture drawers, and luggage to aid in drying.
Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
Stay out of any rooms where the ceiling is sagging from trapped water.

Water Damage Don’ts

Do not lift tacked carpet without professional help (lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage).
Do not enter any room where the ceiling is sagging.
Do not enter rooms with standing water if you do not know the source or if you do not know the category. There are three varying degrees of water damage, ranging from clean water to black water. Each is progressively worse than the next.
Do not enter rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
Do not use electrical appliances and outlets in wet areas.
Do not use an ordinary vacuum to remove water. It can cause damage to the vacuum or result in electrical shock to the user.
Do not attempt to clean up contaminated (sewer) water.
Do not turn on fans, heating or air conditioning units if water is sewage- related as they may spread the contamination.
Do not walk on wet surfaces any more than necessary in order to minimize safety hazards and to keep from spreading damage and possible contaminants.
Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help (lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage).
Do not place newspaper on wet surfaces since newspaper ink transfers easily.
Do not wait to contact us to seek professional help. The longer you wait, the more damage will occur.

Mold Damage Do’s and Don’ts

Mold Do's

Turn the HVAC system and fans off
Leave the affected areas
Contact Alliance Water Restoration for an effective mold remediation service

Mold Don’ts

Do NOT blow air across any surfaces affected with mold
Do NOT touch or spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold
Do NOT attempt to dry the area yourself

Fire Damage Do’s and Don’ts

Fire Damage Do’s

Limit the movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being impregnated into the upholstery and carpets
Tape up all air registers
If water damage is not present, cover upholstery with sheets
Open windows for ventilation.
In case of power loss, empty freezer and refrigerator
Remove pets to a clean environment

Fire Damage Don’ts

Do NOT use electrical appliances until cleaned and checked.
Do NOT use do-it-yourself home carpet or upholstery cleaners.
Do NOT wash any papered or flat painted walls without consulting your professional cleaner. Incorrect cleaning procedures could compound the soot residue problem.
Do NOT Eat food that has been exposed to heat. It may be contaminated.