Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

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Discovering some sort of water damage at your home or business, whether damage caused by storm or faulty plumbing work, can feel overwhelming and leave you wondering what's next.

A water intrusion can damage your whole structure; the flooring, walls, ceiling and even the contents of your property. Trying to figure out what's the next step isn't always clear. There is inherent danger in many water damage restoration projects that might not be obvious: electrical hazards, slip and fall hazards, and mold hazards lurk around each corner.

Below are tips on next steps. Listed are some things you should do, and also, some things you should NOT do. 

Have A  Water Damage Emergency? Call (440) 564-7266

What To Do After Flooding

• 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.

What NOT To Do After Flooding

• 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.