Water Damage Emergency Tips

• Don't go into rooms where ceilings are sagging due to retained water.
• Don't use televisions and other electrical appliances while standing on wet floors, particularly if the floor is concrete.
• Don't enter rooms where standing water is present and if electricity is still on.
• Don't use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Don't lift carpet that has been tacked down without professional help. Lifting carpet incorrectly could destroy the backing.
• Don't leave wet fabrics in place; dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Don't leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.

• Do remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Do wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Do move paintings, photos and art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Do gather loose items from the floor.
• Do lift draperies off the carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Do open furniture drawers and luggage and closet doors to enhance drying.
• Do move wet fabrics, including clothing, if safe to do so, to a dry place.
• Do place aluminum foil, china saucers, or unfinished wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Do remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Do turn on air conditioning on for maximum drying in the summer; open windows to speed drying in winter.
• Do remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying (check for possible bleeding).
• Do report all damage to your insurance company.
• Do call Disaster Plus immediately. Immediate attention and expert clean up can help prevent further water damage, as well as bacteria or mold growth.