Saturday, October 27, 2007

After a Fire Salvage Tips


22982 La Cadena, Laguna Hills, CA 92653. (949) 348 2625


Clothing - Smoke odor and soot sometimes can be washed from clothing. The following formula often will work for clothing that can be bleached:
4-6 tbsp. of Tri-Sodium Phosphatel cup Lysol or any household chlorine bleachl gallon warm water
Mix well, add clothes, rinse with clear water and dry well.
Be aware that Tri-Sodium Phosphate is a caustic substance used as a cleaning agent. It should be used with care and stored out of reach of children and pets. Wear rubber gloves when using it.


Electrical Appliances- Appliances that have been exposed to water or steam should not be used until you have a service representative check them. This is especially true of electrical appliances. In addition, steam can remove the lubricant from some moving parts. If the fire department turned off your gas or power during the fire, call the electric or gas company to restore these services - DO NOT TRY TO DO IT YOURSELF.


Food- Wash your canned goods in detergent and water. Do the same for food in jars. If labels come off, be sure you mark the contents on the can or jar with a grease pencil. Do not use canned goods when cans have bulged or are dented or rusted.
To remove odor from your refrigerator or freezer, wash the inside with a solution of baking soda and water, or use one cup of vinegar or household ammonia to one gallon of water. Some baking soda in an open container, or a piece of charcoal can be placed in the refrigerator or freezer to absorb odor.


Flooring and Rugs- When water gets underneath linoleum, it can cause odors and warp the wood floor. If this happens, remove the entire sheet. If the linoleum is brittle, a heat lamp will soften it so it can be rolled up without breaking. If carefully removed, it can be re-cemented after the floor has completely dried. Small blisters in linoleum can be punctured with a nail and re-cemented if you are careful. Dilute regular linoleum paste thin enough to go through a hand syringe and shoot adhesive through the nail hole. Weigh down the linoleum with bricks or boards. It usually is possible to cement loose tiles of any type. Wait until the floor is completely dry before beginning.


Locks and Hinges- Locks (especially iron locks) should be taken apart, wiped with kerosene and oiled. If locks cannot be removed, squirt machine oil through a bolt opening or keyhole, and work the knob to distribute the oil. Hinges also should be thoroughly cleaned and oiled.


Walls and Furniture- To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture and floors, mix together:
4 to 6 tbsp. Tri-Sodium Phosphate1 cup Lysol or any chloride bleach1 gallon warm water.
Wear rubber gloves when cleaning. After washing the article, rinse with clear warm water and dry thoroughly.


Walls may be washed down while wet. Use a mild soap or detergent. Wash a small area at one time, working from the floor up. Then rinse the wall with clear water immediately.


Ceilings should be washed last. Do not repaint until the walls and ceilings are completely dry.

Do not dry your furniture in the sun. The wood will warp and twist out of shape. Clear off the mud and dirt by scrubbing with a stiff brush and a cleaning solution. You can also rub the wood surface with a 4/0 steel wool pad dipped in liquid polishing wax, wipe with a soft cloth and then buff. Remove the drawers and let them dry thoroughly so there will be no sticking when you replace them.


Wet wood can decay and mold, so allow it to dry thoroughly. Open doors and windows for good ventilation. Turn on your furnace or air conditioner, if necessary. If mold forms, wipe the wood with a cloth soaked in a mixture of borax dissolved in hot water. To remove white spots or film, rub the wood surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of a half cup of household ammonia and a half cup of water. Wipe dry and polish with wax, or rub the surface with a cloth soaked in a solution of a half cup turpentine and a half cup of linseed oil. Be careful because turpentine is combustible.

Suggestions courtesy of: http://www.handymanmatters.com/Gus Ruiz Handyman Matters, 22982 La Cadena, Laguna Hills, CA 92653.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

The California Fires

As a resident of Southern California I am very much saddened to see so much destruction of our beautiful state. For those of you back east and wondering just how large an area this could be, just imagine driving from West Virginia up to New York State. It’s all total about 175 miles one way. How many east coast states is that, about 6. As a friend of mine currently in one of the affected areas reminded us all, ‘this is a real doozy for us this time. It kind of has the few earthquakes beat for now.’

Here is an email and pictures another friend sent to several of us last evening:

Subject: Thank you
For all of your E-mails regarding our home and family during the fire. We did evacuate, because of the 30-40 feet flames at the end of the cul-de-sac, which was 4 houses from us. We are back in our home and sweeping up ash. We didn't have any damage, thanks to some amazing firemen and helpful neighbors. I thought I would pass along some pictures. One is right across the street from our home - and the other is at the end of our street.

One of the sad developments of the Santiago Fire (other than the fact it appears to be arson) is that Whiting Ranch Wildlife Preserve has been almost completely destroyed. It was really sad to see all of those wild animals running out of the park ahead of the fires.

Until today - there had been no loss of homes. This fire is now responsible for at least 3 homes being leveled in Modjeska Ranch and possibly others in Santiago Canyon and Portola Hills.

I'm wondering if there is anything we can do for the San Diego Junior League? I heard tonight that 950,000 people have been evacuated from their homes - 500K of them in San Diego. Perspective - this evacuation is the largest peace time movement of American citizens since the Civil War.

Thanks again for your kind notes - I really appreciate it! I'm so thankful for the friendships I've found in the Junior League - you all are amazing women! Now, let's raise some money!! :)

Sandie

Sandra Thompson, PhDShareholder
USPTO Reg. No.: 46,264BuchalterNemer, A Professional Corporation18400 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 800 Irvine, CA 92612-0514 Direct Dial: (949) 224-6282 Cell Phone: (949) 702-4448 Direct Fax: (949) 224-6203 Switchboard: (949) 760-1121Email:
sthompson@buchalter.com www.buchalter.com

Thank you Sandie for the pictures and allowing me to share your thoughts here. I have left her other work info for those of you needing patent work done.

We are a state of many natural beautiful resources, including our resilient people and would love to share it all with you when you come to visit or relocate here in usually sunny Southern California.



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