It is important to choose wisely when hiring a restoration contractor. Here are some things to consider when looking for a restoration contractor: * Hire a local contractor. Deal only with established businesses who can provide references and are willing to give you a signed contract before service. * Check with the local disaster center, your local building code department or the Better Business Bureau for guidance. * Don't rush into signing a contract. Collect a number of estimates for the job if time allows. * Obtain written estimates before the restoration contractor provides any services. * Do not sign contracts for major repairs until your insurance company representative has determined how much damage there is and how much the insurance company will pay out. Payment arrangements with your contractor should be handled carefully. Here are some things to consider concerning payment: * If the repair work is extensive, the contractor may ask for periodic partial payments as the work progresses, but it is highly unlikely that a reputable contractor would request full payment in advance. * The contract should specify that payments be made as the work is completed. * If you have a mortgage on your home, the lending institution may also have specific requirements about how the insurance funds are expended. * If there is a discrepancy over the cost of repairs or the contractor has found hidden damage, you should first contact your insurance company representative and try to resolve the difference.

Water damages requires immediate attention from professionals. In case a water damage occurs in your home or property try to locate the problem. By doing so you can help prevent further damages. Then contact United Emergency Servicesfor service and we will help you report the damage to your Insurance Company. Move Items in advance such as furnitures, boxes, clothes, beds, etc. to a room which is unaffected. The basic idea here is to protect your personal belongings and documents. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. Molds grow on home and or a building materials that are wet for more than 24 hours, and in 48 hours the deadly toxic mold Stachybotrys can begin growing in the damaged areas. 1. Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping, pumping, sweeping, or using a wet-vac. 2. Remove and prop up wet upholstery and cushions for even drying. Check for possible color bleed. 3. Place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting for an even dry. 4. Turn on air conditioning for maximum drying if the warmer weather; open windows to speed drying in colder weather. 5. Remove valuable oil paintings and art objects to a safe place. 6. Open suitcases and luggage to dry, outside in sunlight if possible. 7. Stay out of room where ceilings and floors are sagging. Technorati Profile

It is important to allow soot to dry in place for a minimum of 24 hours before attempting the initial clean-up. Here is a recipe that United Emergency Services, Inc.recommends.
4 to 6 tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate
1 cup Lysol or household chlorine bleach
1 gallon water
.Wear rubber gloves and wash the walls, rinse with clean water, and allow to dry. Commercial products are available from paint and wallpaper stores. Washable papers can be washed in the same manner as walls, work from bottom to top and avoid soaking the paper to prevent streaking. Clean ceilings last. Allow 2-3 days drying time before repainting.

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Do not send smoke damaged clothing to an ordinary dry cleaner, improper cleaning may set smoke and odor permanetly. What seems to be a forever lingering odor can often be washed from clothing. Here is a recipe that United Emergency Services, Inc.recommends.
4 to 6 tablespoons tri-sodium phosphate
1 cup Lysol or household chlorine bleach
1 gallon water
Mix well, add clothes, rinse with clear water and dry. Test your colored garments before using any treatment .
2 tablespoons sodium hypochlorite can be used as a substituteMildew is removable by washing the stain with soap and water, rinsing and drying in the sun. If the stain is difficult to remove, try lemon juice and salt; one tablespoon pesborate bleach to one pint lukewarm water; or a diluted solution of household chlorine bleach.

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Fire damaged coins are returnable at the nearest Federal Reserve Bank, or they may be mailed first class registered to: Superintendent, U.S. Mi P. O. Box 406 Philadelphia, PA 19105 Bills, half or more intact, should be taken to the Federal Reserve Bank or mailed as shown above, to: Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving & Imprinting Office of Currency Standards P.O. Box 387048 Washington, DC 20013 Send registered mail with return receipt. Replacement of mutilated or destroyed bonds are handled by: U.S. Treasury Department, Bureau of Public Debt Division of Loans and Currency Parkersburg, WV 26106-1328 Attention: Bond Consultant Include name(s) and address(es) on bonds, approximate date or time period purchased denominations and approximate number of each.

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Unless your home is equipped with hurricane shutters, an approaching storm means you'll need to put plywood over your windows. Plywood is inexpensive, readily available (as long as you don't wait until the last moment to shop), and has 30 percent greater impact strength than OSB. Insurance industry groups recommend 1/2 inch thick, exterior-grade (CDX) plywood, at minimum. Most people don't know what a board-up company is or how they could benefit from one. Openings in the exterior of a building give burglars an easy chance to walk right in and steal belongings or merchandise. Board-up services prevent thieves from having ready access to your personal property by securing buildings and property until the damage can be properly repaired. In addition a properly secured structure will prevent further damage from water and other elements. Most board-up companies offer 24 hour services and respond to the scene in 1 hour or less.

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