Water Damage Do's and Dont's!!

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Water Damage From 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 electrical shock.


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


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


• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.


• Place aluminium 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.


• Hang furs and leather good 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, possibly 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 possibility 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.