Water Damage: What To Do and Not Do Until Help Arrives

2/8/2017 (Permalink)

We have specialized equipment for any kind of disaster especially water damages. We will restore everything and make it "Like it never even happened."

As you all might know, SERVPRO of Park Cities is a cleanup and restoration company. We work on everything from water damages, such as a floods or water heater leaks, to biohazard cleanups, such as crime or sewage cleanups. 

We are that company you wish you never have to contact, but in case of an emergency, we are here to help. Here are a few Emergency Tips that will assist you in taking the proper action during a water damage until your SERVPRO professional arrives:

WATER DAMAGE FROM A 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 electric shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by moping or 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.
• Hand 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, possible 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 possiblity 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.

Please follow these DOs and DON"Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.