Helpful Tips & Links

The most effective way to protect your property from water and the threat of mold is to have it dried as quickly as possible.

WHAT TO DO:
Use Caution: Watch your step; water can cause floors to be slippery. Avoid touching electrical appliances that are wet.

• Shut off source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. It's important to stop the water to prevent further water damage and call a plumber for repairs.
• Stay out of rooms that have damaged ceilings.
• Ventilate wet areas. Turn on an air conditioner or to accelerate drying time in the summer; in the winter alternate between opening windows and using your heater.
• Remove any standing water by sponging, blotting or using a wet vac.  Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove rugs, lamps, telephones and items from wet furniture.
• Open drawers and cabinet doors for interior drying, do not force open.
• Freeze valuable books and documents to keep out mildew growth until proper drying can be done.
• Place china saucers, wood blocks or aluminum foil squares under furniture legs to prevent carpet staining. Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off of damp floors.
• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place hanger on the drapery rod.
• Open Storage Containers: Open suitcases and other storage boxes and dry them in sunlight, if possible.
• Protect Valuables: Remove Photographs, paintings and other artwork to a safe, dry place.
• Dry Clothing: Dry all garments as soon as possible. Hang fur and leather goods to dry at room temperature.

WHAT NOT TO DO:
Do not enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off.  Operating any electrical appliance while standing on wet carpet or floors, especially concrete floors, could cause a serious electrical shock injury.

• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.  Do not use heat to dry out a closed building. This could cause damage from mildew and expanded moisture.
• Do not leave wet fabric in place; space them apart and dry as soon as possible.
• Do not attempt removal of wall-to-wall carpet.
• Do not operate electrical appliances such as TVs, radios, computers, ceiling fans or any other electrical appliance while standing on wet carpets or floors, particularly concrete or tile floors.
• Do not use your regular household vacuum cleaner to remove water.
• Do not touch outlets or plugs.              
• Do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Tips for Water Damage from Contaminated Water

WHAT TO DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Do not spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas. Turn on HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas.