What To Do And Not To Do After Water Damage

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

This local library had water damage throughout the whole facility.

Water damage can be very devastating to your home whether it is caused by a storm, sewage backup, pipe leak or appliance malfunction. Regardless of how it started, certified and trained professionals should handle water damage emergencies. If you discover water damage on your property, follow these do’s and don’ts list to minimize the damage and start the restoration process earlier.

What To Do:

• Contain the water within the affected area
• Start removing as much standing water as you can through mopping or blotting with a dry towel
• Wipe down furniture
• Put foil between the wet flooring and the furniture legs
• Prop up furniture cushions and pillows
• Remove all rugs away from the affected wet floors
• Turn on your ventilation system to start airing out the affected area
• Move all artwork and pictures to a safe, dry area
• Open closet doors, furniture drawers and luggage to start to help them dry out
• Hang up wet fabrics to dry out

What Not To Do:

• Don’t remove standing water using your vacuum cleaner
• Don’t place newspaper on the floor
• Don’t ever enter a room with electrical or structural damage
• Don’t lift up carpet that is tacked down
• Don’t try to clean up sewage water yourself
• Don’t use electrical appliances while standing on wet floors or carpets

Calling certified and trained professionals should be the first action you take when dealing with a water disaster. If you experience water damage in your home or business, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Northwest Columbus at 614-261-6666. Available for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are always here to help.