Be Cautious Around The "Clean" Source if Water Damage Occurs

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

A few do's and don'ts when it comes to dealing with water damage from a "clean" source.

Tips for when you have water flooding from a "clean source"?

Do:

• Stop the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, as long as the access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.
• Remove as much excess water as possibly by mopping and blotting.
• Absorb excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and lift up wet upholstery cushions to begin the drying process.
• Place aluminum foil or wood block between furniture legs and wet carpeting. This helps with colors bleeding on carpet or other surfaces.
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture to a safe, dry area.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting and window coverings off damp floors.
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.

What should you NOT do when a water damage occurs?

Don't:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining.
• Leave Oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possible causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TV's or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.