WHAT NOT TO DO IN A WATER DAMAGE EMERGENCY
- DON’T remove water with an ordinary household vacuum. It can be dangerous, ineffective and damages the vacuum.
- DON’T use electrical appliances while standing on wet carpet or floors.
- DON’T enter rooms where there is standing water if electricity is still on, it could carry a shock.
- DON’T turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet and stay away from sagging ceilings.
- DON’T rip up the carpet and pad. This could cause permanent damage to the materials.
- DON’T attempt to dry carpeting with an electrical heater. It will only dry the surface and not dry the pad.
- DON’T turn up the heat above 68 degrees, as this will help cause mold to become active.
- DON’T walk on wet carpet more than necessary in order to keep from spreading damage.
- DON’T activate the HVAC system if it has been directly contacted by water, or might serve as a means of spreading contamination.
- DON’T turn off power if the circuit box is wet. Call the Power company to turn it off instead!
- DON’T use TV’s or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
- DON’T leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible; Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
- DON’T leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
- DON’T place newspaper in the traffic areas, because newspaper ink transfers easily.
WHAT TO DO IN A WATER DAMAGE EMERGENCY
- DO identify the source of the incoming water and, if possible, stop it or call a professional to handle it.
- DO remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting with clean white towels.
- DO use humidifiers if the outside temperature is over 60 degrees.
- DO leave the heat on if the weather is cool. If weather is warm, use the air conditioner (on it’s “dehumidify” setting if possible).
- DO use fans to speed drying. You want to circulate the air.
- DO dry furniture with an absorbent cloth.
- DO get draperies up, away from the moisture. Look them through a coat hanger and hang them, doubled up, from the drapery rod.
- DO let air circulate around all sides of wet furniture cushions. Prop them up or remove them to a dry area.
- DO put furniture on small blocks of wood or aluminum foil, to keep water from traveling up and into the legs.
- DO take wet area rugs and other wet floor coverings out to dry. For permanently installed coverings (such as wall-to-wall carpet or vinyl flooring that water may have seeped under), you first may want to consult a professional.
- DO open or remove anything enclosed that may be wet or be restricting the flow of air. Such as closet doors, furniture drawers, and luggage.
- DO get paintings, photos, and art objects to a location that’s safe and dry.
- DO remove wet fabrics. Dry them as soon as you can. Furs and leather goods should be hung to dry. Keep them separate and at room temperature.
- DO remove damp books from shelves. Spread them out to dry. In case of valuable books, consult a specialty drying professional.
- DO turn off all electrical appliances in and around the area affected by water to reduce electrical hazards.
- DO remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items which may stain carpet. (check especially under beds and in closets).
- DO wipe as much excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table-top items.
- DO place aluminum foil, china saucers or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
