How to Create an Emergency Management Plan

When disaster strikes and the damage to your home or office is too much for you to handle alone, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Controlling an emergency is crucial — otherwise, the damage may spread, compounding the issue. Common scenarios may include the following:

• A summer storm blew a branch down on your roof, knocking some shingles loose and allowing water to seep in. That water is now dripping from the ceiling as a discolored stain spreads.
• A sewer line on your street became blocked somehow, and now water is overflowing from your sinks, showers, and toilets.
• A small fire broke out in your kitchen recently. While the fire was contained without injury, your home — though standing — is covered in a smoky, ashy residue.

Emergencies can strike at any time, often when you least expect them. In cases such as these, remain calm. Don’t worry about the hazardous cleanup process early on — we’ve got you there. Focus on what you can do in the moment to prevent the situation from becoming worse.

Water damage — If water is dripping from your ceiling, place a tarp underneath the leak with a container to catch it, then empty it as needed. If water is seeping into your home or office resulting in standing water, remove any items that may be damaged by water, such as rugs, furniture, and electronics. Avoid stepping on wet carpet to avoid spreading water to other rooms. Turn off the electricity to the room and do not use electrical items such as vacuum cleaners. If the water is flowing from your plumbing, turn off your water lines or call a plumber.

Smoke and fire damage — Carefully put out small fires with a fire extinguisher or water. Do not use water on a grease fire; rather, smother the fire with a pot lid or baking sheet, or sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda into the flames and turn the heat off. Open some windows to ventilate. If your furnace or central air conditioning is running, remove or replace the filter to prevent contaminants from spreading to unaffected rooms.

Mold cleanup — Close off the area and do not allow anyone in your home or office to enter. Do not disturb the growth as spores could spread and cause serious health consequences. In other words, do not try to clean mold growth yourself.

Biohazard cleanup — Whether it’s a backed-up sewer line, a crime scene, or even dealing with the aftermath of a nasty virus spreading around the home or office, managing biohazard cleanups can be especially hazardous to those lacking the proper tools and equipment. Do not try to clean or even enter the area yourself until it has been decontaminated.

Make Puroclean part of your emergency management plan. Call (309) 433-0900 and find out how we can serve you when you need it most.