Fire and Smoke Restoration

How to Prepare for a Fire Evacuation from a Damage Restoration Company

 In the moments of an evacuation, it becomes difficult to remember what steps you should be taking as a business or homeowner to protect your property. First and foremost, your safety is what always matters. However, if you do have enough warning, follow these tips provided for you by RMC, a Damage Restoration Company.

Preparing Your Home

  • Shut all windows and doors, but leave them unlocked so rescue teams are able to enter the home if they need to.
  • Remove anything flammable around the windows –  i.e. shades or curtains.
  • Close all metal shutters.
  • Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
  • Shut off gas at the meter; make sure pilot lights are OFF.
  • Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
  • Shut off all air conditioning or heat.
  • Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
  • Take pictures of everything inside, including all drawers and closets. Document all valuables you won’t be able to take with you for insurance purposes.
  • Have any spare vehicle keys by the door and ready to go.

Preparing Your Yard

  • Gather up flammable items from the exterior of the house. Bring all items inside, or place them in a pool if it applies. This means all patio furniture, children’s toys, doormats, trash cans, etc.
  • Turn off propane tanks.
  • Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
  • Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters.
  • Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
  • Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running, they can affect critical water pressure.
  • Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of night.
  • Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
  • Take pictures inside of your garage, your yard, and the entire exterior for insurance purposes.

Emergency Supply Kit Checklist

  • Face masks or coverings
  • Three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water per person
  • Prescriptions or special medications
  • Change of clothing
  • Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses
  • Credit cards, cash, or traveler’s checks
  • First aid kit, Flashlight, Battery-powered or crank radio, and extra batteries
  • Sanitation supplies
  • Copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, etc.)
  • Pet Food, leashes, water bowls (if applicable)
  • Chargers, Power Banks

Preparing Your Car

  • Pack your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
  • Have at least TWO evacuation routes mapped out on physical maps in case GPS service is affected.
  • Back your car into the driveway with vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed.
  • Carry your car keys with you.
  • Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened

Always keep a sturdy pair of shoes and a flashlight near your bed and handy in case of a sudden evacuation at night.

Remember RMC provides Fire & Smoke Restoration services if you are in need of a restoration provider.

ABOUT RESTORATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY
Since 1985, Restoration Management Company has provided 24-hour restoration service for customers when they experience a catastrophe in their home or workplace. With their headquarters in Hayward, California, RMC has 10 regional locations in Northern and Southern California, as well as locations in Seattle, Washington; Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; and the Denver, Colorado metro areas. When emergency services are required RMC delivers high-quality and rapid water damage restoration as well as smoke, fire, environmental and catastrophic restoration services. We stand ready with our highly-trained, experienced, and customer-focused restoration technicians.
Restoration Management Company www.RMC.com
1.800.400.5058

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