Do's and Don'ts of Water Damages

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible, or contact a qualified plumbing technician 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 aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

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

• Pin up upholstered furniture skirting to keep off damp floors.

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

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

Don'ts:

• Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items that may cause staining on wet carpet or floors.

• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damaging the vacuum cleaner.

• Do not use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

• Do not turn on ceiling fixture if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

If you have water damage call SERVPRO of Tuscaloosa at 205.553.8377. We are faster to any disaster!