Water Damage Emergency Tips

What you can do until help arrives

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
Shut off water source if you can do safely. Otherwise call a qualified party to do so.
Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the property.
Use wooden clothes pins to keep furniture skirting off the damp floors.
Place wooden blocks or aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

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.

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.