Water Damage: What To Do and Not Do

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible, or contact a qualified plumbing technician to stop the water source.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

• Pinup upholstered furniture skirting to keep off damp floors.

• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with carpeting or floors. 

• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

Do Not:

• Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.

• Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers, or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.

• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines, or other colored items that may cause staining on wet carpet or floors.

• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damaging the vacuum cleaner.

• Do not use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

• Do not turn on ceiling fixture if the ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.