Water Damage Emergency Tips – Do’s

What To Do In A Water Damage Emergency

• DO identify the source of the incoming water and, if possible, stop it or call a professional to handle it.
• DO remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting with clean white towels.
• DO use humidifiers if the outside temperature is over 60 degrees.
• DO leave the heat on if the weather is cool. If weather is warm, use the air conditioner (on it’s “dehumidify” setting if possible).
• DO use fans to speed drying. You want to circulate the air.
• DO dry furniture with an absorbent cloth.
• DO get draperies up, away from the moisture. Look them through a coat hanger and hang them, doubled up, from the drapery rod.
• DO let air circulate around all sides of wet furniture cushions. Prop them up or remove them to a dry area.
• DO put furniture on small blocks of wood or aluminum foil, to keep water from traveling up and into the legs.
• DO take wet area rugs and other wet floor coverings out to dry. For permanently installed coverings (such as wall-to-wall carpet or vinyl flooring that water may have seeped under), you first may want to consult a professional.
• DO open or remove anything enclosed that may be wet or be restricting the flow of air. Such as closet doors, furniture drawers, and luggage.
• DO get paintings, photos, and art objects to a location that’s safe and dry.
• DO remove wet fabrics. Dry them as soon as you can. Furs and leather goods should be hung to dry. Keep them separate and at room temperature.
• DO remove damp books from shelves. Spread them out to dry. In case of valuable books, consult a specialty drying professional.
• DO turn off all electrical appliances in and around the area affected by water to reduce electrical hazards.
• DO remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items which may stain carpet. (check especially under beds and in closets).
• DO wipe as much excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table-top items.
• DO place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.