Emergency Tips for Water Damage from Clean Water

Accidents happen. But when they do you should have an easy to use checklist to follow before emergency services arrive.

Here are some simple "Dos" and "Don’ts" on how to manage after serious water damage from clean water upstairs or in your basement.

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified part to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building. Do this only when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art, computers/electronic equipment, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang curtains with coat hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Do Not:

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