Water Damage Do's and Don'ts
Water is a destructive force, especially when it invades your home. Below are some dos and don'ts for when water invades your home. When it comes to heavily damaged structures please use common sense and remember if it looks unsafe it probably is, call a professional.
Do's:
- Find the source and if possible stop further water intrusion.
- If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on, if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.
- Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
- Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Wipe water off of furniture.
- Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
- Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying.
- Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
- Open furniture drawers, closet doors and luggage to enhance drying.
- Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.
- Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
- Call a restoration professional.
Don'ts:
- Do not let pets or children be exposed to the water. Contaminates and bacteria are present in most standing water inside homes.
- Do not turn up the heat in areas affected by water damage. Doing so could promote the growth of bacteria and mildew. Instead, attempt to stabilize the air temperature at 70 degrees F.
- Do not use an ordinary household vacuum or shop-vac to remove water.
- Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
- Do not lift tacked-down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage or secondary damage.
- Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within 24 hours.
