EMERGENCY RESPONSE

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In an emergency is to mitigate damage. Your best first step in this process is to have already put in place an XPROQUO plan if you have not then call 1-866-XPROQUO for help. 

It is important to ensure the situation is SAFE before you attempt to do any work inside the structure on your own.

In the case of fire and smoke it is always best to wait for the professionals. 

In the case of severe stormsit is best to remain indoors away from glass and windows during the period of inclement weather.

In case of water, you must first consider hazards related to the current, electricity and possible overhead hazards such as ceilings.

In an emeregency situation it is important to stay calm and keep your wits about you. 

• Secure all doors and windows. Prevent a sliding glass door from opening by inserting a dowel into its track.
• Make sure  outdoor furniture and fixtures are brought in to prevent them from doing damage.
• During a storm, stay away from glass windows and doors and seek refuge in an interior room with no windows.
• Avoid using electrical appliances.
• Take care of pets. a storm can be a frightening experience, and they could injure themselves or even you, if panicked. If necessary, secure pets in carriers. Do not light candles or lanterns. They could get blown over causing a fire.
• Never go out during a storm.High winds can send debris flying right into you causing injury.
• After the storm clears, and you come out, beware of down power lines and gas leaks. Stay away from heavily damaged areas. Listen to your radio for instructions.

• Board upholes or shut boff water supplies to ensure your belongings are not damaged more then they have been.
• Move items out of wet basements and away from flooded parts of your property. 

BE CAREFUL!DO NOT TURN ON ANY ELECTRICAL SWITCHES UNTIL YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN CHECKED.

• Turn off main switch by standing on a dry surface and using a piece of heavy rubber, plastic or dry wood.
• If you have gas service, check for fumes. if you notice an odor, call the gas company immediately.

REPORT THE DAMAGE TO YOUR VINSURANCE REPRESENTIVE IMMEDIATELY

• Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria and mold which can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions and continue to damage materials long after the flood. Mold growth can start in less then 48 hours.
• Save receipts for materials you use. Insurance providers will cover any reasonable cost associated with protecting your property if the loss is covered by your policy.

IF  YOU SMELL SMOKE OR SEE FLAMES, GET  EVERYONE OUT OF THE BUILDING IMMEDIATELY!

• During a fire the air is cleaner near the floor.
• Get down on your hands and knees and crawl to an exit.
• Close doors to slow the spread  ogree on a meeting place, go there and "take attendance" to be sure that no one is left inside the building. 

CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!

• Phone the fire department from outside the building and give the complete address of the fire.
• Don't hang up until youre told to do so.
• Be sure that no one goes back inside the building for any reason.
• Tell the fire department if anyone is trapped inside the building.

DONT FIGHT FIRE UNLESS...

1. Someone has called the fire department;and
2. You still have a clear exit; and
3. You have the right tools and know exactly what to do.

Remembeer things can be replaced-you cant.