Water Loss Restoration

Emergency Checklist

Most of us don’t really know how to clean up water damage. Thankfully, it’s not a regular occurrence. But when water unexpectedly enters your home, there are some things you can do to minimize the damage. Here’s a to-do list for keeping your head—and your belongings—above water.

• If possible, stop the water at its source.
• Turn off the electricity and remove small electrical devices from the areas with excess water, if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid walking on wet carpet – it is more fragile while wet.
• Remove small furnishings from carpeted areas or place aluminum foil under furniture legs. This helps prevent permanent rust of furniture stains.
• Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to avoid contact with wet floors.
• Remove any breakables, moisture-sensitive and high value items, as well as items that may stain floor coverings. Check under the beds and other furnishings.
• Plan for restoration crews to move furniture into dry areas.
• Wash your hands after handling damaged items.
• Avoid the possibility of electric shock. Do not use home vacuum or shop vacuum to remove the water.
• Avoid the temptation to turn on fans or heating and air conditioning units as they may spread contamination if the situation is sewage-related.

If you don’t know how to clean up water damage, and most people don’t, refer to these tips during an emergency. It wouldn’t hurt to review them occasionally so they are fresh in your mind if you’re faced with the scenario. Knowing what to do until our expert technicians arrive can only help to minimize the overall damage and costs.