Water Damage Emergency Tips
What you can do until help arrives
Water Tips | Fire Tips | Biohazard Tips | Mold Tips
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- Stop and Identify the water source.
- Turn off all electrical appliances in the surrounding area.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping, sweeping and blotting with white towels.
- Place foam blocks, plastic, wax paper, or aluminum foil around furniture legs to avoid contact with the water.
- Lift curtains, draperies, and bed skirts off the floor to prevent water marking and dye transfer.
- Remove all area rugs to prevent staining on wall to wall carpeting.
- Remove any items that are stored under beds.
- Move wall hangings and paper documents to a safe and dry location.
- Remove and wipe excess water from furniture.
- DO NOT use electrical appliances and outlets in wet areas.
- DO NOT use your household vacuum to remove water.
- DO NOT use an electric heater to dry carpet. It can lead to more damage and microbial growth.
- DO NOT enter rooms if the ceiling is sagging with water.
- DO NOT turn off ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
- DO NOT tear out carpet and padding as this could cause further – if not permanent – damage.
- DO NOT turn off power to circuit breaker if it is wet. Call your local power provider instead.
- DO NOT leave newspapers, books, or magazines on wet floors; this may cause ink transfer.
- DO NOT step in water that has reached electrical outlets. Especially outlets located on floors.
Have A Water Damage Emergency? Call (281) 342-5326
What To Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
- Gather loose items from floors.
What NOT To Do After Flooding
- Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
- Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
- Don't use television or other household appliances.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.