Some of the things you might want to think about are:
- Storage
- Drying out
- Carpets and rugs
- Clothes and bedding
- Freezers and Food
- Furniture
- Income Tax Records
- Money
- Passports
- Payment books
- Pension book
- Stocks and bonds
- Telephone
- Travel documents
- Wall coverings and ceilings
- Warranties
Storage
If your premises are not habitable then furniture may need storing.
Contact companies who specialise in your business telephone directory under 'Removals and Storage'.
Drying out
Do not use LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas) heaters as they create additional water vapour.
Dehumidifiers which will remove water from the atmosphere may be hired from 'Hire Services'.
Premises will need to be thoroughly heated and ventilated, with open windows, for several days.
This will also assist in the removal of odours.
Carpets and rugs
Wall to wall carpet is best cleaned with a wet/dry vacuum cleaner. These may be hired from carpet stores, dry cleaning shops or tool hire companies.
See 'Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners', 'Dry Cleaning and Launderers' and 'Hire Services' in your business telephone directory.
- The first step will be to remove water and dirt.
- Carpet cleaning detergent is then added to wash the carpet.
- Finally, rinse with vinegar and water in the machine.Test on a small area first.
- Rugs should be dried quickly and thoroughly. Clean by sweeping and vacuuming, then shampoo with a commercial rug shampoo. Lay the rug on a flat surface and expose to a circulation of warm, dry air.
- A fan directed over the rug will speed the drying.
- Ensure no moisture remains at the base of the tufts as this may rot the rug.
If you have expensive floor coverings, contact a carpet cleaning company under 'Carpet and Upholstery Cleaners' in your business telephone directory.
Other floor coverings, such as vinyl, should be lifted to prevent mildew.
Clothes and bedding
- Before treating, always read the Care Label for proper instructions.
- Most clothing and bedding is capable of laundering in a domestic washing machine.
Other items may have to be attended to by specialist cleaners who can be found under 'Dry Cleaning and Launderers' in your business telephone directory.
Freezers and Food
- For short periods, up to about 4 hours, food will remain safe especially if the freezer is kept closed.
- Consider transferring frozen food to a neighbour's freezer.
- Food sealed in glass jars or undamaged tins should be all right if not subjected to heat.
If in doubt - throw it out!
Your contents insurance may cover the loss of frozen food.
Furniture
- Upholstered furniture may be soiled, stained and wet.
Contact specialist cleaners under 'Carpet, Curtain and Upholstery Cleaners' in your business telephone directory.
- Other furniture should be moved from wet or damp areas and allowed to dry in a well ventilated place after removing drawers and stored items.
Advice can be sought from 'Furniture Repair and Restoration' companies in your business telephone directory.
Income Tax Records
Your employer will know which Tax Office to contact.
Money
Take burnt money to your Bank. They will send it to the Bank of England for verification and then credit you with the amount agreed.
Passports
Contact the Office of Issue.
Payment books
Contact the organisation you are paying.
Pension book
Contact your local Department of Health and Social Security Office whose number is in the phone book.
If you receive a Company pension, contact your pension provider.
Stocks and bonds
Your Broker may have details and a Solicitor may be required to legally reconstruct the Certificate.
Post Office Bonds - your local Post Office will how to claim duplicates.
Telephone
If your telephone, or associated wiring, is damaged contact your telephone Fault Repair Service
Travel documents
Contact the Travel Agent who made your original booking.
Wall coverings and ceilings
- Painted surfaces may be washed with mild soap or detergent. Sugar soap may also be used.
- Washable and vinyl wall coverings may be carefully washed using mild soap or detergent.
- Care should be exercised near electrical switches, socets, etc. Prefereably isolate the electrical supply.
Warranties
Contact the manufacturer.
The address may be obtained from the shop where you bought the items or from a Reference Library
