What To Do Until Help Arrives: Water Damage

3/28/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Clean Water:

Do: 

• 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, when 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.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
• 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 separately at room temperature. 

Don't: 

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining. 
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining. 
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Water Damage From Contaminated Water: 

Do:

• 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. 
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. 
• Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

Note: If exposed to harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Consult your local health department or physician. 

SERVPRO of Licking County at 740-587-0938….here to help! Let our professional team do the cleanup with the proper procedures to keep you, your home or company safe.