Do's and Don'ts to follow after a Flood or other Water Loss

9/8/2014 (Permalink)

By following these steps before water mitigation begins, you can take great steps to avoid further property damage in your wet basement or other area

The period after a large storm or flood is often a hectic and confusing time.  While waiting for SERVPRO to arrive to perform water damage or flood cleanup, here are some simple do’s and don’ts to follow until help arrives.  By following these steps before water mitigation begins, you can take great steps to avoid further property damage in your wet basement or other areas of your home:

For CLEAN Water Losses

DO

1.       Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.

2.       Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

3.       Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

4.       Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.

5.       Remove ad prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

6.       Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

7.       Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

8.       Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.

9.       Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.

10.   Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

DON’T

1.       Enter rooms with standing water where electrical hazards may exist.

2.       Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.  Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

3.       Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.

4.       Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.

5.       Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

6.       Use TV’s or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

7.       Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Additional Information for CONTAMINATED Water Losses

DO

1.       Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage.

2.       Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items.

DON’T

1.       Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas.

2.       Turn on the HVAC system is there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air.

3.       Use household fans to dry the structure and spread contaminants.

4.       Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated area.