Water Damage - The DO's & DON'Ts

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

1. 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 and 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

   shock 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 TVs 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.

   8.    Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated

   by sewage.

   9.    Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with

   contaminated items.

   10.Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily

   on damaged or wet areas.

   11.Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of

   spreading contaminated air.

   12.Use household fans to dry the structure and

   spread contaminants