Call Today 845-226-0868

• Water Damage Do's and Don't
• Why Time is Crucial

Water Damage Do's & Don'ts

Do

• *eliminate the source of water, if possible, or contact appropriate parties to elminate the water source or to make necessary repairs as required.
• *be aware that time is a critical factor and delays in loss mitigation and restoration may result in adverse health (bio-contaminates, mold) and safety effects, as well as, additional damage to the structure and contents.
• *if there is no risk of electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas; unplug and remove any small electrical devices currently located on wet floor coverings or other wet surfaces.
• *remove and secure as many small furniture items as possible to minimze rust or stains and expedite restoration.
• *place aluminum foil under legs of wood furniture, especially antiques to protect furniture and prevent permanently staining the carpet.
• *hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts if possible to prevent contact with wet floor coverings, minimizing damage such as water marks, browning, dye transfer or migration.
• *remove books, shoes, paper goods, fabrics, potted plants or other items that may stain the carpet (check especially under beds and in closets for these items).
• *remove and secure breakables, moisture sensitive or high value items.
• *make plans for restoratioin crews to remove large furniture items from affected areas.

*Source:  IICRC S500 Standards and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration.  Second Edition. (1999)

Don't

• use your home or wet/dry vacuum since, electrical shock may result, as well as the spread of contaminants.
• place newspaper on wet surfaces since newspaper ink transfers easily to carpet.
• walk on wet surfaces any more than necessary in order to minimize safety harzards and to keep from spreading damage and possible contaminants.
• activate the HVAC system if it has been in direct contact with water or especially sewage, it may serve as a means of spreading contamination.
• adjust indoor temperature unless instructed to do so by a qualified restoration technician.
• enter an area that has standing water or sewage because of the potential for electrical shock harzards and sewage contamination.