Water Damage Clean Up Tips

6/20/2019 (Permalink)

Assess Safety

Do not enter the damaged area without conducting a safety assessment. Depending on the extent of the damage, it may not be safe for you to enter the building.

• Water damage can weaken the structural integrity of the building. If the ceilings are sagging, do not enter the building.
• Be sure the electricity in the building has been shut off. Submerged electrical appliances and electronics can cause serious electrical shock.
• If the area has been under water for more than 24 hours, wear a surgical mask to avoid inhaling mold spores, or avoid the area until the professionals arrive.

Keep in mind that the floor will be slippery and objects may have shifted during the flooding. Slip and fall accidents are one of the most common causes of injury in water damage cleanupprojects.

Remove Standing Water

If it is safe for you to do so, use a wet-dry vacuum to remove standing water, or use towels to soak up smaller pools of water on furniture, counters, and other surfaces. If the area is flooded with more than a foot or two of water, wait for a professional water damage remediation team to arrive.Removing large amounts of water too quickly will damage the building’s foundation.

Move Furniture, Rugs, and Smaller Items

Remove area rugs from the room and spread them outside to dry. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs to prevent carpet stains. When wood furniture is exposed to excessive moisture, the stain can transfer to the carpet leaving permanent marks. Metal table or chair legs can leave rust stains. Remove smaller items such as books, toys, chairs, and other miscellaneous objects from the area.