The Do's and Don'ts of Water Damage

DO:

• Have a professional plumbing contractor eliminate the water source.
• Call a professional water damage restoration company immediately for help! Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within just a few hours.
• Remove as much water as possible from floors by mopping or blotting with clean white towels.
• Turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas if appropriate. Unplug and remove any small electrical devices located on wet carpet or other wet surfaces.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings that are not attached. Do not remove wall-to-wall carpet.
• Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent contact with wet carpet.
• Wipe furniture and prop up wet cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture (especially antiques).
• Remove small furniture items to prevent rust or stains and to expedite restoration.
• Remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants and other items that may stain the carpet (be sure to check under the beds and in closets).
• Move photos, paintings, art and any high-value items to a safe, dry location.
• Open drawers and closet and cabinet doors to speed the drying process.
• Make plans for a restoration crew to move large furniture items onto dry carpet, linoleum, garage or storage area.

DON'T:

• Don't use your home vacuum because electrical shock may result as well as damage to the vacuum.
• Don't use TV's or other appliances on wet carpet or floors.
• Don't place newspaper in the traffic areas because the ink transfers easily.
• Don't walk on wet carpet more than necessary in order to keep from spreading damage.
• Don't activate the HVAC system if it has been directly contacted by the water or it may spread contamination.
• Don't disturb visible mold.