Immediate action guide
Insulation Contractor Emergency Action Steps
What to do right now before a insulation contractor arrives, with clear lines for 911, utility, and contractor calls.
First rule
If there is fire, smoke, shock, collapse risk, gas odor, carbon monoxide alarm, injury, trapped people, or any uncertainty about safety, leave the area and call 911. Use these steps only when you can act from a safe position.
E1
Wet Attic Insulation
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the attic hatch, wet insulation, ceiling below, and electrical fixtures.
- Stay on stable framing only if entry is necessary and keep away from wet fixtures.
- Catch interior drips and stop the water source before disturbing insulation.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an insulation contractor and the leak-source trade, such as roofer or plumber.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not bag wet insulation before documenting the source.
E2
Insulation Near Recessed Light Smell
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the recessed light, attic insulation, switch, and ceiling below.
- Turn off the light circuit if safe and keep the fixture off.
- Keep people out of the attic and watch for smoke or heat from below.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call 911 for smoke or fire, then an electrician and insulation contractor.
Do not do this
- - Do not pull insulation away from energized fixtures or keep testing the light.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E3
Loose Blown Insulation in Living Space
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the room, attic hatch, vents, floor, and HVAC return.
- Close the room and turn off HVAC if insulation is being pulled into returns.
- Avoid sweeping dust; place a towel at the door gap if safe.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an insulation contractor and report whether a hatch, ceiling, or duct opened.
Do not do this
- - Do not run fans or vacuum unknown insulation dust through the home.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E4
Spray Foam Odor
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the sprayed area, crawlspace, attic, vents, and occupied rooms.
- Leave the area if odor is strong and keep occupants away from the work zone.
- Close doors and avoid running HVAC through the affected space.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call the insulation contractor for product, batch, ventilation, and re-entry details.
Do not do this
- - Do not cut, heat, or cover fresh spray foam to hide odor.
- - Do not re-enter while alarms, odors, sparks, smoke, water, or movement continue.
E5
Crawlspace Vapor Barrier Flooded
Do this now
- Move people, pets, and valuables away from the crawlspace access, vapor barrier, standing water, and utilities.
- Stay out of the crawlspace if water, wiring, gas lines, or pests may be present.
- Stop exterior water sources at ground level and keep access closed.
- Photograph safely, note the time, and save temporary-material receipts.
- Call an insulation contractor and plumber or drainage pro to address source and cleanup.
Do not do this
- - Do not touch wet electrical devices, outlets, cords, panels, or switches.
- - Do not crawl through standing water to move insulation.