The Restoration Industry Association Advises What to do After the Disaster

The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has tips for individuals impacted by Hurricane Irene and now cleaning up in the aftermath.

Rockville, MD - The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has these tips for individuals impacted by Hurricane Irene and now cleaning up in the aftermath:

  • Notify your insurance company of the loss.
  • Keep a notebook to track dates and times of conversations with individuals pertaining to your claim.
  • Save receipts for meals, hotels, toiletries, replacement clothing, prescriptions, etc.
  • Take photos of each room for future reference and insurance claims. This will provide a digital inventory of some visible contents.
  • If electrical appliances, including televisions and computers are damaged by water, do not turn them back on when power is restored. This can result in electric shock and/or do further damage to the appliance. Electronics can often be cleaned & restored by contractors who know what they’re doing.
  • Drywall, insulation and carpeting/padding impacted by the muddy water will probably need to be removed and replaced.
  • Beware of scammers offering restoration services. Check references and visit the Restoration Industry Association website - www.restorationindustry.org - to find a contractor.
  • Wear heavy rubber gloves or work gloves and thick-soled shoes, preferably not tennis shoes.
  • Wash your hands frequently - especially before touching your face or eating.
  • Be careful of muddy water - there can be sharp items such as broken glass, nails, etc.
  • Avoid cross contamination – don’t wear dirty clothes or shoes to the clean part of the house.
  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Don’t use bleach to disinfect since it is corrosive and can react with other substances. Use household disinfectants.
  • Open windows to ventilate the area. Open drawers and cabinets for interior drying, but don’t force them open.
  • Remove standing water from flat surfaces by sponging and blotting.
  • Hard surfaces can be disinfected as well as some soft goods, depending on washability.
  • Transport computers and musical instruments to a dry environment.
  • Remove lamps and other items from wet furniture tops.
  • Dry out as much as you can to prevent further damage.
  • For clean up tips, information on hiring a contractor, and restoration & remediation in general, visit the RIA website at www.restorationindustry.org and click on the Consumer link.

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