Vandalism is never pleasant when you find yourself on the receiving end, even if you know the attack on your property was not malicious. Just as it is true that quick, prompt action can minimize or even prevent permanent damage to you property, it is also true that wrong/delayed action can cause it.
Although smoke and soot may seem to be identical, experienced professionals recognize the important differences and appropriate emergency action can help in restoring walls and furnishings damaged by soot. Wrong action can make restoration more difficult and could greatly delay your "return to normal."
Water is an essential part of many cleaning processes, but under some circumstances, although it usually cleans, it can damage articles. The harmful effect of water is sharply reduced by prompt and wise action. Some procedures are obvious: others require foresight and experience.
The following disaster aids were compiled by members of the National Institute of Fire Restoration and are based on their wide experience in this field. It is not likely that you will require all procedures listed. Examine your situation and use those steps which common sense dictates -- after all, your safety comes first.
People often have a hard time realizing that they have a mold problem. Even more often, people fail to determine if their mold problem is toxic or non-toxic.
Mold spores can be present without the appearance of visible mold. It requires moisture to survive, so it is often found in areas with water damage or excessive humidity. To the unaided eye, mold has a variety of appearances: fuzzy, velvety, wet, dry, powdery, and so on. It can appear as black stains or patches of white, yellow, green, brown, black, gray, or even pink.
