The following list of tips will help in any water damage situation:
WATER DAMAGE FROM CLEAN WATER
- Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source
- Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building (only if access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock)
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
- Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
- Move paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable to a safe, dry place
- Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors
- Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors
- Hang furs and leather goods to dry seperately at room temperature
- DON'T enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards exist
- DON'T enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. *** ALWAYS AVOID ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARDS ***
- DON'T leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors. They may cause staining.
- DON'T use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water!
- DON'T use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets, flooring, or concrete
- DON'T turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet
- DON'T enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water
- Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage
- Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items
- DON'T spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas
- DON'T turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air
- DON'T use household fans to dry the structure. This will spread contaminants
- DON'T use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas
- Stay away from affected areas
- Call an emergency service professional ASAP
- Treat all body fluids as if they are contaminated
- DON'T attempt cleanup of any kind
- DON'T touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids
