What To Do After a Water Damage

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

A little knowledge can go a long way in preventing serious water damage. Learn the precautions you should take to avoid major damage.

No one wants to come home to a flooded basement or to wake up to the sound of a broken pipe spraying water on valuable furniture and household possessions. However, the possibility of water damages occurring in your home or business is very real. Whether it is pipe damage or a weather-related issue that is the cause, it is important to arm yourself with basic knowledge in order to best deal with this type of emergency before it happens. Here are a few tips to help in the event of water damage in your home:

• First, determine whether it safe to stay in the house
• Make sure there are no active electrical devices or outlets immersed in or near the water
• Note that wet floors are slippery and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns
• Keep in mind that wet materials can be VERY heavy
• Have a plumber’s phone number ready and available
• Contact SERVPRO of The East End (631-653-9595) for complete restoration

While waiting for SERVPRO of The East End to arrive, here is what you CAN do:

• Shut off the water
• 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 the summer
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
• Remove art objects and other prized possessions to a safe, dry place
• Gather loose items from floors

What NOT to do After Flooding:

• 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

Never try to fix a broken pipe by using tape or plumbing putty. Broken pipes are a serious problem, which should be handled by a professional. SERVPRO of The East End is on call 24/7 to help home and business owners with complete cleanup. Our goal is to help you regain control and repair any damage, “Like it never even happened”. Call us at 631-653-9595.