Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
Avoid all areas with standing water, exposed cords, or submerged outlets--these are areas of extreme hazard.
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, blotting, etc.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after safely removing lamps and table top items.
Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
Place aluminum foil, wood blocks, or another barrier between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Move any art objects, electronics, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe, dry place.
Use wooden clothespins or safety pins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately room temperature.
Avoid any and all contact with sewage and items that have been contaminated by sewage
Do your best not to track any contaminated water/sewage to any unaffected areas
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after contact with contaminated items

Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
Remove art objects to a safe, dry place.
Gather loose items from floors.

Don't leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods.
Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
Don't use your household vacuum to remove water.
Don't use television or other household appliances.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.